NLIS 1
July 7, 2005
(Executive Council)
Minister returns from Beaumont Hamel
Tom Marshall, Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of Justice and Attorney General, said today visiting Beaumont
Hamel was a highly emotional experience.
Minister Marshall accompanied a group of students and veterans from
Newfoundland and Labrador to Beaumont Hamel last week to commemorate the
89th anniversary of the Battle of Somme. "It was an absolute privilege
to bring greetings on behalf of the province and commemorate the
contributions of our veterans, especially the members of the
Newfoundland Regiment who fought and died at Beaumont Hamel during the
opening day of the Battle of the Somme July 1, 1916," said Minister
Marshall.
"The entire experience was highly emotional. To actually see the
trenches, read the inscriptions on the memorials, touch the danger tree
and feel the soil beneath your feet is remarkably overwhelming. It is
something I hope every Newfoundlander and Labradorian gets the
opportunity to experience in their lifetime."
The group also had the opportunity to visit the other Newfoundland and
Labrador memorial sites at Courtrai, Belgium and Monchy Le Preux,
Gueudecourt, and Masnieres, France. "I would like to thank students
Randye Lynch, Marissa White, Megan Delaney and Robyn Newhook for
accompanying me on this visit. These young women now have a great
understanding of the significant events that took place during the first
world war and will be able to pass them on to future generations," said
Minister Marshall. "I would also like to thank Mr. Hedley Smith,
president, Provincial Command, Royal Canadian Legion and Ms. Juanita
Russell, Provincial Command representative and student chaperone, for
their part in making this visit a success."
"It was a pleasure to experience Beaumont Hamel with veterans Mr.
Hayward Lodge, Mr. Raymond Rendell, Mr. Joseph Miller, and Mr. Gerald
Bradbury. Mr. Lodge and Mr. Rendell are sons of fathers who fought at
Beaumont Hamel 89 years ago. I want to thank these men and all veterans
for their courage and bravery and for putting their lives at great risk
to secure our freedom. We are forever indebted to you," said Minister
Marshall.
Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390
Photo #1: Veterans Joseph Miller and
Gerald Bradbury, Minister Tom Marshall, Veterans Raymond Miller and
Hayward Lodge - Masnieres, France
Photo #2:
Minister Marshall standing in trench at Beaumont Hamel
Photo #3:
Back row - Deputy Minister Barbara Knight, Veterans Hayward Lodge and
Gerald Bradbury, Minister Tom Marshall, Veterans Joseph Miller and
Raymond Randell, Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Command
representatives Juanita Russell and Hedley Smith. Front Row - Megan
Delaney, Marissa White, Rebecca Marshall, Robyn Newhook, Randye Lynch. -
Guedecourt, France
Photo #4:
Minister Tom Marshall and Veteran Hayward Lodge -Guedecourt, France
Photo #5:
Veterans Joseph Miller, Hayward Lodge and Raymond Randell, Minister Tom
Marshall, Veteran Gerald Bradbury, President of Provincial Command,
Royal Canadian Legion, Hedley Smith - Coutrai, Belgium
Photo #6:
Veteran Raymond Randell and Minister Tom Marshall - Masnieres, France
2005 07 07
10:25 a.m.
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