Government of Canada pays tribute to those who served during the First World War
News Release
Annual remembrance ceremony held at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial
November 6, 2016 – Vimy, 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 Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Mr. Guimond was joined at the event by Fabienne Buccio, préfète of Pas-de-Calais and representative of the French Republic.
The tribute was well-attended this year, bringing together local dignitaries, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian and French Veterans, representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion, and Canadian students. The moving ceremony recognized the service and sacrifices made by Canadians in uniform to protect and promote our shared values.
Quotes
"The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a defining moment for Canada. Today, almost 100 years later, we remember the courage witnessed on this battlefield, honour the sacrifice represented by the names carved on the Vimy Memorial's base, and thank all who have and continue to bravely serve our country in uniform. We also look forward to April 2017 when we will mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and honour those who valiantly served during the First World War."
The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
"Nowhere in the world is the depth of Canadian service and sacrifice more evident than at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Almost 100 years after the guns were silenced, it remains a powerful symbol of remembrance and a reminder to the citizens of Canada and France of the great cost paid for the freedoms we enjoy today."
Pierre Guimond, Minister-Counselor of Political Affairs, Embassy of Canada in France
Quick facts
- Situated on a high point of Vimy Ridge—the site of a battle that is central to the contribution of Canada to the First World War—the majestic Canadian National Vimy Memorial commemorates more than 60,000 Canadians who died in France.
- 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.
- In 2017, the Government of Canada will commemorate the centennial of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the opening of a new Visitor Education Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Through special ceremonies and activities at home and abroad, Canadians will remember their country's extraordinary role in the Allied victories.
- 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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