Province Supports Beaumont Hamel Pilgrimage

The Honourable Jack Byrne, Minister of Municipal Affairs today announced a $45,000 contribution to the Royal Canadian Legion, Newfoundland and Labrador Command in support of the 2007 pilgrimage to Beaumont-Hamel in July.

�Each year the province participates in anniversary ceremonies to mark the significance of Beaumont Hamel and to acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of members of the Newfoundland Regiment,� stated Minister Byrne. �The Battle of the Somme at Beaumont Hamel holds extraordinary significance to veterans who fought for the protection of our freedom, and to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are proud to acknowledge the brave acts of our veterans.�

With this funding support the Newfoundland and Labrador Command, Royal Canadian Legion will send a delegation of veterans, students and chaperones to commemorative ceremonies in Beaumont Hamel, France. The delegation will include:

Veteran Representatives

• Lawrence Michael Mooney, Canadian Army, Regular Force (April 1964-June 1967), Pleasantville Branch 56
• Thomas Benson, Royal Canadian Navy (1939-1946), Clarenville Branch 27
• Herbert M. Pike, Royal Air Force (June 1942-November 1946), Springdale Branch 40
• Loretta Flynn, Royal Canadian Air Force (October 1943- April 1946), Caribou Memorial Veterans Pavilion Action Committee Ladies Auxiliary

The student participants were senior first place winners of the 2006 Royal Canadian Legion Remembrance Poem, Poster and Essay Contest and include:

• Kelsey Power, Crescent Collegiate, Blaketown
• Ryan Mercer, Ascension Collegiate, Bay Roberts
• Kayla Colbourne, Jackman All Grade School, Trout River
• Jessica Rowe, Elwood Regional High, Deer Lake

Provincial Command Representatives

• Calvin Crane, President, Royal Canadian Legion
• Janis Boone, Botwood Branch 5
• Heather Brown, Director of Health Services, Central Regional Integrated Health Authority

�We are proud to support this important journey in respect of our history and those representing Newfoundland and Labrador in the anniversary ceremonies,� added Minister Byrne.

Photo # 1 - Minister Byrne presents a cheque to Calvin Crane, President of the Royal Canadian Legion, Newfoundland and Labrador Command.

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Media Contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
709-729-1983, 690-2498
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca