Government of Canada Pays Tribute to All Who Served at Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Remembrance Ceremony

BEAUMONT-HAMEL, France, Nov. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian and French citizens gathered today at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, in France, to participate in the official Government of Canada Remembrance Ceremony.

The Government of Canada representative, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Canadian Ambassador to France, spoke to the gathering on behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs. He was joined by the French Republic representative Mr. Joël Dubreuil, Sub-Prefect of Péronne.

"The men and women in uniform who have served our country did so selflessly. We will be forever grateful to them for their courage and sacrifices, including their brave actions at such memorable sites as Beaumont-Hamel," said Minister Fantino. "Today, we pause to remember all the men and women who have defended peace and freedom over the years, here in Beaumont-Hamel and throughout the world. Lest we forget."

"More than 97 years ago, soldiers from Newfoundland joined British troops here at Beaumont-Hamel to climb from the trenches and walk through a hail of enemy fire. The losses were staggering," said Ambassador Cannon. "Many paid a terrible price by sacrificing their lives in the fight for peace and freedom. During Veterans' Week, we pay tribute and continue to honour those who served our country throughout our nation's history."

Each year, Veterans Affairs Canada holds its annual Remembrance Day ceremony at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial on the Saturday preceding November 11.

This Veterans' Week, your challenge is to show you remember. Wearing a poppy, attending a local Remembrance Day ceremony and changing your Facebook profile picture to a poppy are all ways to remember and honour Veterans. Visit veterans.gc.ca to get interactive and share your thoughts or to find commemorative events in your community.

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to defend the Republic of Korea and uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada

Guy Turpin
Senior Manager, Commemorative Sites
European Operations
Veterans Affairs Canada
(33) (0)3 21 50 60 68

Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468