Minister to Represent Province at Beaumont-Hamel Pilgrimage

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will represent the Provincial Government at the pilgrimage to Beaumont-Hamel in remembrance of the Battle of the Somme. The minister will be joined by veterans, representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion, and students, and attend various ceremonies taking place June 29 to July 2.

"Each year, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador participates in ceremonies in Europe to pay tribute to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the lives lost during World War I," said Minister French. "Attending these ceremonies to recognize the sacrifices made by Newfoundland and Labrador soldiers will be a great honour and privilege. I am proud to attend these ceremonies on behalf of our government and to pay tribute to the contributions of our veterans and those who lost their lives in the line of duty."

In support of the 2010 pilgrimage, the Department of Municipal Affairs has provided $55,000 to the Royal Canadian Legion to help subsidize the delegation's expenses.

"We are proud to support the pilgrimage to Beaumont-Hamel, and provide funding to the Royal Canadian Legion delegation which will participate in commemorative activities to honour our veterans who made great sacrifices to protect our freedom," said the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "The pilgrimage is a tremendous opportunity to pay respect to those who fought for our freedom, and I am confident that this trip will be a moving experience for the contingent representing Newfoundland and Labrador."

Minister French will attend a July 1 Memorial Day ceremony at Beaumont-Hamel, and visit Caribou Memorials to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment located in Beaumont-Hamel, Monchy-Le-Preux, Guendecourt, Masnieres, and Courtai, all sites of significant engagements by the regiment during World War I. Additionally, the minister will visit the Canadian Memorial at Vimy Ridge, and participate in the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate memorial in Ypres.

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