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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