Parks Canada Kicks-off Canada Day with Sunrise Salute Ceremony at Signal Hill National Historic Site
News Release
100th Anniversary of First World War battle at Beaumont-Hamel Commemorated
July 1, 2016 St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s 149th birthday celebrations officially launched during the annual Canada Day Sunrise Salute event at Signal Hill National Historic Site. This ceremony draws Canadians from far and wide to be the first in the country to wish Canada a happy birthday.
The annual Canada Day Sunrise Salute has become a local tradition and is attended by hundreds of visitors each year. It is the first of many special events Canadians will attend in communities across the country.
Parks Canada also marked the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme during the First World War and honoured the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who fought at Beaumont-Hamel, France on July 1st 1916.
As announced in Budget 2016, admission will be free for all visitors to national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas in 2017 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Canada’s national parks and historic sites enable Canadians to experience our remarkable natural heritage and rich history in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150 – just one year away!
Quick facts
- The Canada Day Sunrise Salute event at Signal Hill National Historic Site originally started in the 1980s by the St. John’s Jaycees.
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Entry to all national parks and national historic sites is free on Canada Day. In eastern Newfoundland, special Canada Day events are planned for Terra Nova National Park and the public is invited to open houses and special activities from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Cape Spear Lighthouse, Signal Hill, Hawthorne Cottage, Ryan Premises, and Castle Hill National Historic Sites.
- Canada’s national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas belong to all Canadians. They represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures and contributions of Indigenous Peoples.
Quote
“ Special events like the annual Canada Day sunrise salute at Signal Hill National Historic Site are a tremendous opportunity for Canadians to celebrate our great country and reflect on the core values that define our national identity. Today in Newfoundland and Labrador it is equally important that we commemorate the 100th anniversary of The Battle of the Somme and reflect on the valour and bravery of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who answered the call on that fateful day a century ago at Beaumont-Hamel.”
- Seamus O’Regan,
Member of Parliament, St. John’s South – Mount Pearl
Associated links
Contacts
Ray Kenny
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Newfoundland East Field Unit
Parks Canada
709-772-2587
ray.kenny@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
1-855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca
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