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.
|