NLIS 1
July 7, 2005
(Executive Council)
 

Minister returns from Beaumont Hamel

Tom Marshall, Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Justice and Attorney General, said today visiting Beaumont Hamel was a highly emotional experience.

Minister Marshall accompanied a group of students and veterans from Newfoundland and Labrador to Beaumont Hamel last week 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 Newfoundland Regiment who fought and died at Beaumont Hamel during the opening day of the Battle of the Somme July 1, 1916," said Minister Marshall.

"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."

The group also had the opportunity to visit the other Newfoundland and Labrador memorial sites at Courtrai, Belgium and Monchy Le Preux, Gueudecourt, and Masnieres, France. "I would like to thank students Randye Lynch, Marissa White, Megan Delaney and Robyn Newhook for accompanying me on this visit. These young women now have a great understanding of the significant events that took place during the first world war and will be able to pass them on to future generations," said Minister Marshall. "I would also like to thank Mr. Hedley Smith, president, Provincial Command, Royal Canadian Legion and Ms. Juanita Russell, Provincial Command representative and student chaperone, for their part in making this visit a success."

"It was a pleasure 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 fathers who fought at Beaumont Hamel 89 years ago. I want to thank these men and all veterans for their courage and bravery and for putting their lives at great risk to secure our freedom. We are forever indebted to you," said Minister Marshall.

Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

Photo #1: Veterans Joseph Miller and Gerald Bradbury, Minister Tom Marshall, Veterans Raymond Miller and Hayward Lodge -  Masnieres, France

Photo #2: Minister Marshall standing in trench at Beaumont Hamel

Photo #3: Back row - Deputy Minister Barbara Knight, Veterans Hayward Lodge and Gerald Bradbury, Minister Tom Marshall, Veterans Joseph Miller and Raymond Randell, Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Command representatives Juanita Russell and Hedley Smith. Front Row - Megan Delaney, Marissa White, Rebecca Marshall, Robyn Newhook, Randye Lynch. - Guedecourt, France

Photo #4: Minister Tom Marshall and Veteran Hayward Lodge -Guedecourt, France

Photo #5: Veterans Joseph Miller, Hayward Lodge and Raymond Randell, Minister Tom Marshall, Veteran Gerald Bradbury, President of Provincial Command, Royal Canadian Legion, Hedley Smith -  Coutrai, Belgium

Photo #6: Veteran Raymond Randell and Minister Tom Marshall - Masnieres, France

2005 07 07                                    10:25 a.m.