Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
June 28, 2016

Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme at Beaumont-Hamel

Delegation Departs on Historic Pilgrimage to Beaumont-Hamel

The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, along with a delegation of 60 Royal Canadian Legion members, veterans and students, is travelling on an annual pilgrimage to Beaumont-Hamel, France, June 27-July 4.

"I am truly honoured to be a part of this delegation representing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as we travel the Trail of the Caribou. This trip will be an incredible journey of commemoration and remembrance. To have the opportunity to walk on the hallowed grounds of Beaumont-Hamel on the 100^th anniversary of this historic and tragic battle, will be a life changing experience for many. Beaumont-Hamel remains to this day that small, but precious part of France which is forever engrained in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador. We will forever cherish and hold sacred the sacrifice of those who served, who fought and died for the very freedom we hold dear."
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

For almost 20 years, the Provincial Government has supported the Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador Command's annual pilgrimage of students, veterans and legionnaires to memorials in France and Belgium. The eight-day trip is organized around the Trail of the Caribou, involving remembrance ceremonies at: Beaumont-Hamel, Masnières, Gueudecourt, Monchy-le-Preux, and Courtrai (Kortrijk), Belgium. The delegation will also visit various points of interest to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and have an opportunity to lay a wreath at Menin Gate in Leper, Belgium, and visit the D'Hondt Family farm, the site where the heroic actions of Private Thomas Ricketts earned him a Victoria Cross.

"The Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador Command has been part of a pilgrimage to Beaumont-Hamel and the Trail of the Caribou for nearly 20 years with the full support of the Provincial Government. This year the delegation will be made up of veterans, including two WWII Veterans and 16 youth from across the province. It is a tremendous honour to be part of the Provincial Government's delegation that will be at Beaumont-Hamel for the 100^th anniversary. The Royal Canadian Legion is the Guardian of Remembrance and I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to our fallen comrades than to stand on this sacred ground with our Newfoundland and Labrador youth as we pass the torch of remembrance to the next generation."
- Frank Sullivan, President, Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador Command

Thirty-five students are participating in the trip, including 19 students taking part in the Provincial Government's Ambassador Program, an award that recognizes excellence in student projects commemorating the men and women who served in the First World War.

The 2016 pilgrimage is part of theHonour 100initiative to commemorate Newfoundland and Labrador's First World War story. The Provincial Government will invest more than $3 million inHonour 100, which will include funding for multiple community-based activities and enhancing the Royal Canadian Legion's annual pilgrimage to Beaumont-Hamel and creating the Ambassador Program.

QUICK FACTS

• A Provincial delegation of 60 Royal Canadian Legion members, veterans and students, departed St. John's yesterday on an annual pilgrimage to Beaumont-Hamel, France.
• For almost 20 years, the Provincial Government has supported the Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador Command's annual pilgrimage of students, veterans and legionnaires to memorials in France and Belgium.
• Thirty-five students are participating in the trip, including 19 students taking part in the Provincial Government's Ambassador Program, an award that recognizes excellence in student projects commemorating the men and women who served in the First World War.
• The 2016 pilgrimage is part of theHonour 100initiative to commemorate Newfoundland and Labrador's First World War story. The Provincial Government will invest more than $3 million inHonour 100 initiatives.

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Media contact:

Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570 Tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2016 06 28                              3:15 p.m.