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Executive Council June 29, 2007
Minister Proud to Represent Province at The Honourable John Ottenheimer, Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs, will attend ceremonies in France and Belgium in commemoration of the sacrifices of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians during World War I. Minister Ottenheimer will accompany veterans, representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) and four students from Newfoundland and Labrador as they visit sites with Caribou monuments that commemorate the efforts of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, in particular the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, during battles of World War I. "I am truly proud and honoured as a Newfoundlander and Labradorian to participate in these ceremonies and represent our government as we commemorate these important events in our history," said Minister Ottenheimer. "The sacrifices our province made during the war effort were extremely brave and valuable. However, no sacrifice was greater than those brave soldiers that gave their lives on these battlefields." Each year the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador participates in commemoration ceremonies in Europe to recognize many of the battles Newfoundland and Labrador soldiers participated in during WW I. As well, the province has provided a subsidy to the RCL of $45,000 in 2007 to allow veterans, members of the Royal Canadian Legion and students the opportunity to commemorate these historical events. "We all know the history of these battles, Beaumont Hamel in particular, and I believe it is critically important we keep the memory of these events alive and participate in these ceremonies," continued Minister Ottenheimer. "As well, it is wonderful to have both veterans and students participate in this pilgrimage. No doubt, shared experiences of the present, along with lessons of the past, will create a legacy of understanding and respect that will be carried for generations to come. "I look forward to walking amongst the battlefields where our forefathers fought proudly in the name of freedom and democracy. This will be a moving personal experience, and one I embrace. I ask all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take a moment this July 1 and remember the sacrifices of those who fought to allow us the privileges we enjoy today." -30- Media contact: Ken Morrissey 2007 06 29 9:45 a.m.
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