Media Advisory - Minister Petitpas Taylor to participate in commemorative events honouring the unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier

ST. JOHN'S, NL, June 28, 2024 /CNW/ - The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, will participate in commemorative events and activities alongside the official Government of Canada delegation as part of their activities to commemorate and honour the unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier.

In May, the Government of France transferred the remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier to the Government of Canada. On 1 July 2024, as part of official ceremonies marking the 100^th anniversary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will jointly unveil a tomb at the Newfoundland National War Memorial for the remains of the unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier. The tomb will represent Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from all branches of service who have no known grave.

On Saturday, June 29, Minister Petitpas Taylor will join the delegation for a guided tour of the Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou exhibits at The Rooms. This will be followed by a visit and reception at the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Museum. Later, Minister Petitpas Taylor and the delegation will attend a reception at The Rooms hosted by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Family, where the Minister will provide brief remarks. 

On Sunday, June 30, the Minister and the delegation will attend a private viewing of the unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier, lying in state at the Confederation Building.

Notes for media:

•  Delegation activities are closed to media.
• Photos of each visit will be available upon request.

Additional information:

• Repatriation of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier
• Centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial (1924-2024) (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Public Advisory: Details on the Upcoming Lying-in-State for Newfoundland and Labrador's Unknown Soldier and the July 1 Ceremony at the Newfoundland National War Memorial (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada - Ottawa

Media inquiries: Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]; Isabelle Arseneau, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, [email protected]