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NLIS 4
June 27, 2006
(Executive Council)


Premier to participate in Beaumont Hamel ceremonies  

Premier Danny Williams will travel to France today to take part in ceremonies commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme at Beaumont Hamel.  Premier Williams said commemorating the incredible efforts of the members of the Newfoundland Regiment who fought and died at the Battle of the Somme on behalf of the province is a tremendous honour and privilege.  

�The Battle of the Somme at Beaumont Hamel holds extraordinary significance for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,� said Premier Williams. �It is a defining moment in our history, as we lost hundreds of our bravest and brightest on the field of battle.  The opportunity to stand where they stood and to pay tribute to their sacrifices on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is something that I will cherish the rest of my life.  These individuals, and those who have served our country since, are true heroes who deserve our respect and deepest admiration.�  

The 90th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme will be a major international event.  Nations participating in the anniversary commemorations will include Canada , Great Britain , Belgium and France . The Premier will begin commemoration ceremonies in St. John�s today with a wreath laying ceremony at the Caribou monument at Bowring Park . Premier Williams is attending commemorations in France as a guest of Veterans Affairs Canada and will participate in a number of ceremonies and receptions between June 27 - July 3, 2006 on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador .  The premier is scheduled to visit the Kortrijk Newfoundland Memorial and lay a wreath at a ceremony with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment at Menin Gate.  He will attend a service at the Monchy Le Preux Newfoundland Memorial and lay a wreath at Courcelette.  Premier Williams will also deliver a speech and lay a wreath at the Government of Canada Ceremony of Remembrance at Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland Memorial.  

The Premier noted that Newfoundland and Labrador �s representation in France will be impressive and will include the entire complement of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. �Earlier this month, our government announced that we would provide $110,000 to help fund the the Royal Newfoundland Regiment�s travel to France ,� added the Premier.  �Having the entire complement of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment taking part in these ceremonies is a very fitting and appropriate way to commemorate the 90th anniversary of one of the most significant events to shape the history of our province.�  

The Premier said the Department of Municipal Affairs will also host a delegation that will include a group of four veterans and four students. �This annual trip is very important as it provides a great opportunity for the youth of this province to connect with veterans and gain an appreciation for the magnitude of what occurred on the morning of July 1, 1916 ,� said Premier Williams.   

�As we celebrate our great country on July 1, we must always remember the contributions of the brave men who fought at Beaumont Hamel that same day in 1916. We owe them an extraordinary debt of gratitude for the freedoms and liberties we enjoy today.   We must never forget that they paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and peace for people around the world.�   

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Communications (709) 729-3960 , (709) 690-5500 , elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca  

2006 06 27                                                        1:15 p.m.


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