Executive Council
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
October 5, 2014
Honouring the Province’s First World War Story
Hundreds Participate in Re-creation of the March to the S.S. Florizel
A significant First World War event was commemorated by the province’s Honour 100 initiative today, as hundreds came together to re-create October 3, 1914, when 539 members of the First Newfoundland Regiment marched from Pleasantville to the St. John’s harbour front to board the passenger liner the S.S. Florizel to journey to England.
“The First World War was a seminal moment in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador. A century later it remains a story of courage, perseverance and pride. Today, as we commemorate the First Five Hundred, we must also take a moment to remember that, during The Great War, more than 6,000 men joined the Newfoundland Regiment and more than 12,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians served on the land, in the air, on the sea, and in nursing services. The sacrifice of these brave individuals is an important part of our identity, of who we are today as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Their sense of duty and honour shall never be forgotten.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Today’s parade was led by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band, followed by the First and Second Battalions, the Church Lads’ Brigade band, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Honour Guard and Mounted Unit, members of the Royal Canadian Legion, members of the Signal Hill Tattoo, Scouts Canada, Girl Guides, as well as descendants of the First Five Hundred soldiers and members of the public. The parade was followed by a service at the harbour front where a new storyboard was unveiled.
The Honour 100 initiative was launched in 2013 to commemorate Newfoundland and Labrador’s First World War story.
“Honour 100 is an opportunity to renew our relationship with the communities connected to each of the key battles involving the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and to work with communities and organizations at home to commemorate the centennial anniversaries through to 2018. I was honoured to be a part of today’s important event. The province’s First World War commemorations are designed to reach all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, young and old, to connect them to our history and to honour our veterans, past and present.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Honour 100 is organized into five pillars: Anniversaries, Education, Legacy, Outreach and Research and Development, with significant events and projects ongoing in each year throughout 2014-2018, in partnership with the community and other governments and organizations.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government has commemorated the First Five Hundred who marched to the S.S. Florizel on October 3, 1914.
- The Honour 100 initiative was launched in 2013 to commemorate Newfoundland and Labrador’s First World War story.
- Honour 100 is organized into five pillars: Anniversaries, Education, Legacy, Outreach and Research and Development, with significant events and projects ongoing in each throughout 2014-2018, in partnership with the community and other governments and organizations.
- The Provincial Government has invested more than $3.6 million for the Honour 100 initiative to commemorate Newfoundland and Labrador’s First World War story.
- During Honour 100 commemorations, a number of events will focus on important wartime milestones such as the Tommy Rickett’s Victoria Cross and Armistice Day.
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Media contacts:
| Donna Ivey
09-729-3551 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
2014 10 05 3:15 p.m.