/R E P E A T -- Vimy Week: commemorating the 95th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge/

Battle of Vimy Ridge celebrations to start on April 3^rd in Ottawa

MONTREAL, March 29, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Vimy Foundation of Canada is pleased to invite media representatives to a series of activities that will be taking place in Ottawa during Vimy Week, April 3 to April 9, to educate Canadians about their heritage and raising awareness on the role that Canada played in the First World War. Join the Vimy Foundation in their mission to promote Canada's legacy in the victory of Vimy Ridge in April 1917:

April 3: Encounters with Canada (EWC) Vimy: Canada's Coming of Age
Peter Mills, Director - Canada Remembers Ottawa, Veterans Affairs Canada, will welcome the Vimy Foundation EWC participants at the Canadian War Museum. EWC is an in-depth look at Canada's participation in the First World War where more than 125 youth, aged 14 to 17, will travel to Ottawa to learn more about the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

April 4: Second Annual Vimy Reception
The Vimy Foundation and the RBC Foundation are hosting the second edition of a reception at the French Embassy of Canada in honour of the 95^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, featuring guest speaker Dr. Dean Oliver, Director of Research and Exhibitions at the Canadian War Museum.

April 5: Youth-led commemoration ceremony
A commemorative ceremony will be led by EWC participants, with the assistance of Veterans Affairs Canada, at the National War Memorial to launch their overseas pilgrimage marking the 95^th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. EWC youth will present remembrance reflections and doves will be released commemorating this significant moment in Canada's history as a nation.

April 8 to April 9: All-night vigil by Cadets
A wreath-laying and candle light procession will be taking place in partnership with EWC youth, The Army Cadet League of Canada, and schools in the National Capital Region, with the support of Veterans Affairs Canada. The ceremony will include a parade led by The Army Cadet League of Canada as well as a youth candle light procession to the National War Memorial.

April 9: Commemoration Event highlighting the 95^th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
The Vimy Foundation, in collaboration with EWC and VAC will pay tribute in honour and recognition of the 95^th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge that helped shape Canada.

REMINDER:

Encounters with Canada (EWC) - April 3
WHO:	Peter Mills, Director - Canada Remembers Ottawa, Veterans Affairs Canada Vimy Foundation Encounters with Canada participants Bruce Burrows, Vimy Foundation Board Member
WHEN:	April 3, 2012 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:	Canadian War Museum 1 Vimy Place Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0M8
Second Annual Vimy Reception - April 4
WHO:	Dean F. Oliver, Director, Research and Exhibitions, Canadian War Museum Bruce Burrows, Event Chair and Vimy Foundation Board Member
WHEN:	April 4, 2012 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE:	Embassy of France 42 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Youth-led commemoration ceremony - April 5
WHO:	Veterans Affairs Canada representative Vimy Foundation Encounters with Canada participants Bruce Burrows, Vimy Foundation Board Member
WHEN:	April 5, 2012 10:00 a.m. Opening remarks 10:10 a.m. Ceremony of Remembrance 10:19 a.m. EWC will present reflections 10:30 a.m. Laying of the wreaths 10:35 a.m. Doves will be released (weather permitting) 10:38 a.m. Conclusion of the ceremony
WHERE:	National War Memorial Confederation Square Elgin Street at Wellington, Ottawa
All-night vigil by cadets - April 8 to April 9
WHO:	Encounters With Canada youth The Army Cadet League of Canada Schools in the National Capital Region Veterans Affairs Canada
WHEN:	April 8 to April 9, 2012 7:00 p.m. - Youth-led ceremony begins
WHERE:	National War Memorial Confederation Square Elgin Street at Wellington, Ottawa
95^th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge - April 9
WHO:	Vimy Foundation EWC participants Beaverbrook Vimy Prize Winners Government officials
WHEN:	April 9, 2012, official Vimy Ridge Day 10:00 a.m.
WHERE:	National War Memorial Confederation Square Elgin Street at Wellington, Ottawa

 

Nicholas Alexandris
The Vimy Foundation
Office: 514-904-1007
Mobile: [phone]
[email protected]

Melissa Wood
NATIONAL Public Relations
Office: 613-233-1699 ext. 6229
Mobile: [phone]
[email protected]