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June 30, 2009

Minister to Represent Province at Beaumont-Hamel Ceremony

The Honourable Kevin O�Brien, Minister of Government Services, will be attending ceremonies in France and Belgium which commemorate the sacrifices made by Newfoundland and Labrador soldiers during World War I. The minister will be joined by veterans, representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion and students at various ceremonies to take place over the next few days.

"Attending these ceremonies is a great honour for me and is something that is very close to my heart," said Minister O�Brien. "As with most Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I have family members who were veterans, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. I am also proud to attend these ceremonies on behalf of our government and to officially recognize the brave soldiers who lost their lives to ensure our freedom."

Minister O�Brien will attend ceremonies in Monchy-Le-Preux, Guendecourt, Beaumont-Hamel and at the Courtai Memorial in Belgium.

Each year the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador participates in ceremonies in Europe to commemorate the lives lost during World War I. This year, the Department of Municipal Affairs has provided $55,000 to the Royal Canadian Legion to help subsidize the cost of sending veterans, a representative from the Royal Canadian Legion and students to the ceremonies.

"It is important to recognize the history of Beaumont-Hamel, and our veterans who made such great sacrifices to protect our freedom," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "We are proud to support this year�s pilgrimage to Beaumont-Hamel and provide funding to the Royal Canadian Legion in support of the delegation of veterans and students who will participate in ceremonies to honour our fallen heroes."

"I am looking forward to visiting the various sites where our soldiers fought and many lost their lives," said Minister O�Brien. "I know this will be a moving experience for me and everyone else who is attending. I ask that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians take time on July 1 to remember the sacrifices of our forefathers."

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Media contacts:

Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Department of Government Services
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2009 06 30                                                   11:50 a.m.
 


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