Government of Canada delegation travels to Ottawa for unforgettable experience

The Citizenship Ceremony took place in the Barney Danson Theatre at the Canadian War Museum. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)

The Government of Canada delegation marked the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at the National War Memorial on April 9, 2017. (CNW Group/Veterans Affairs Canada)

Delegates mark the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the First World War at Vimy 100 events and ceremonies

OTTAWA, April 11, 2017 /CNW/ - Last week, 30 delegates traveled to Ottawa to mark the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the First World War. The delegates were nominated by Veteran organizations across Canada based on their personal connection to Vimy Ridge. The group participated in a number of commemorative events and activities in the nation's capital to mark the significance of the battle in Canada's military history.

During their stay in Ottawa, the delegates toured Rideau Hall and enjoyed a reception with His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. The delegation also explored the Peace Tower and the Memorial Chamber at Parliament Hill, attended an Indigenous ceremony at the Aboriginal Monument, and shared their stories with the Encounters with Canada youth delegates. The delegation also attended special events at the National War Memorial this weekend, including the evening of remembrance on April 8 and the commemorative ceremony on April 9.

The delegation was also invited to attend a Citizenship Ceremony on April 7 at the Canadian War Museum. On this day, they witnessed 30 people from 18 countries become Canadian citizens after taking the Oath of Citizenship in the Barney Danson Theatre.

Quotes

"It's been a once in a lifetime experience to be here as the Silver Cross Mother representing all those who have lost a son or daughter in the military. The ceremonies in Ottawa were wonderful. They were emotional, real, and they really gave me a greater understanding of how important this battle was in Canada's history. There have been many real connections made here this week. You almost feel like close friends and family."
Colleen Fitzpatrick, 2016 National Memorial (Silver) Cross Mother

"I thought the week was very informative. The people were very friendly and it was emotional hearing their different stories and experiences. It brings back many memories. I was especially impressed with the visit to Parliament Hill and the Vimy Exhibit at the Canadian War Museum."
Donald Gillespie, Government of Canada delegate in Ottawa

Quick Facts  

• As there are no longer any First World War Veterans alive, Veterans Affairs Canada invited Veteran organizations across Canada to nominate a representative who has a personal connection to the Battle of Vimy Ridge or the First World War.
• Veterans Affairs Canada asked Encounters with Canada to nominate 26 youth to join the Government of Canada delegation at events on April 8 and 9 in Ottawa. These youth, aged 14-17, have a keen interest in our country's military history and participated in the Encounters with Canada's "Vimy: Canada's Coming of Age" theme week.
• An official Government of Canada delegation traveled to France to mark the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The delegation included Veterans from Veterans' and Indigenous organizations guests who have direct family ties to soldiers who fought in the First World War; and parliamentarians.

Related Products

• 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Associated Links

• Encounters with Canada

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]

Related Links

www.veterans.gc.ca