Government of Canada honours those who served to protect freedom and democracy
News Release
Annual remembrance ceremony held at Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
November 5, 2016 — Beaumont-Hamel, France — Veterans Affairs Canada
Pierre Guimond, Minister-Counselor of Political Affairs, Embassy of Canada in France, joined Canadian and French citizens and officials today for a ceremony of remembrance at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial. Mr. Guimond was joined at the event by Odile Bureau, sous-préfète of Péronne and representative of the French Republic.
Quotes
"The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial is a stirring tribute to thousands of brave, young Newfoundlanders who selflessly heeded the call of duty a century ago. Today, we honour all who have served on our behalf, and we solemnly reflect on the tremendous sacrifices they made in defence of our shared values."
The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
"The Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial reminds us of our duty to remember. Eyes fixed defiantly ahead, the noble caribou stands constant vigil to the memory of thousands of brave Newfoundlanders who served here and throughout the First World War. Today, we honour their memory and pay tribute to all who have served and continue to serve in defense of the freedoms we enjoy today."
Pierre Guimond, Minister-Counselor of Political Affairs, Embassy of Canada in France
Quick facts
- The First World War's Battle of the Somme began in northern France on July 1, 1916, when waves of Allied soldiers began climbing out of their trenches to advance through a hail of enemy fire toward the German lines.
- The brave members of the Newfoundland Regiment who went into action near Beaumont-Hamel that day were hit especially hard, with only 68 of the more than 800 men who had taken part being able to answer the roll call the next morning.
- Remembrance Day, first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth, was originally called "Armistice Day" to commemorate the agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
- July 1, 2016, marked the 100th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel.
- In a world where social media connects millions of us, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to take part in one or more acts of remembrance leading up to November 11. Tag posts with #RememberThem to help show how Canada remembers.
Associated links
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