Minister Marshall Flag Raising Speech
Tuesday November 1, 2005
Confederation Building Lobby

Veterans, Ladies and Gentlemen, Honoured Guests:

Good Afternoon.

It is an honour and a privilege to represent Premier Williams and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as we officially commence Remembrance week and Fly the Flag of Remembrance.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II and has been declared Year of the Veteran. It has provided a wonderful opportunity for Canadians to remember the tremendous contributions of our veterans� achievements and sacrifices.

Newfoundland and Labrador has a proud history and devotion to honoring our veterans. On May 5th this year, we marked the 60th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a tree-planting ceremony here on the grounds of Confederation Building. Some of you here today were with me on that day. A handsome Red Maple now stands as a reminder to all who walk the grounds of the Confederation complex of the women and men who sacrificed so much to secure our democratic rights.

Year of the Veteran banners have been displayed here in the foyer of Confederation Building East Block all year and will stay until the end of the year.

In November of 2004, the Senate of Canada unveiled a series of 22 portraits depicting the profiles of Ortona Veterans in honour of the Italian Campaign. It was decided that this display should be kept alive throughout the Year of the Veteran in provincial and territorial legislatures. They are hanging here in the foyer and will be here until November 10, 2005. These striking portraits are the work of Halifax artist Catherine Jones; I encourage everybody to take the time and enjoy them and sign the accompanying guest book.

In July of this year, I had the thrill of a life-time opportunity to accompany a group of students and veterans from Newfoundland and Labrador to Beaumont Hamel to commemorate the 89th anniversary of the Battle of Somme. It was an absolute privilege to bring greetings on behalf of the province and commemorate the contributions of our veterans, especially the members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, who fought and died at Beaumont Hamel during the opening day of the Battle of the Somme July 1, 1916.

It was an honour to experience Beaumont Hamel with veterans Mr. Hayward Lodge, Mr. Raymond Rendell, Mr. Joseph Miller, and Mr. Gerald Bradbury. Mr. Lodge and Mr. Rendell are sons of men who fought at Beaumont Hamel 89 years ago. The entire experience was highly emotional. To actually see the trenches, read the inscriptions on the memorials touch the danger tree and feel the soil beneath your feet is remarkably overwhelming. It is something I hope every Newfoundlander and Labradorian gets the opportunity to experience in their lifetime. I want to once again thank Mr. Lodge, Mr. Rendell, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Bradbury and all veterans for their courage and bravery and for securing our freedom.

My father, Jack Marshall, was a veteran of the Second World War. As a young officer cadet he stormed the beaches at Normandy on D-Day and later in his life, as a Member of the Canadian Parliament and a Senator, he was an outspoken advocate for the rights of all veterans. For many years he was the Commanding Officer of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. In that capacity he visited this site on several occasions. He passed away in August, 2004.

Veterans� affairs have a special place in my life, and I am grateful for every opportunity to remember and honour this province�s veterans. Without further ado, let us raise the Flag of Remembrance and pay tribute to the men and women who fought to preserve democracy and restore peace to the world.

On behalf of Premier Williams and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to remember the courageous efforts of our veterans throughout this commemorative week.

Thank You.