Executive Council
Municipal Affairs
June 23, 2011

Premier to Attend World War I Ceremonies in Europe

The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will join veterans and representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion on July 1 in honouring the Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who made the ultimate sacrifice at Beaumont-Hamel during the Battle of the Somme.

“We can never repay with ceremony or memorials what was given to us by these young men,” said Premier Dunderdale. “But we must never forget that their gift to us was their very life’s breath. Through that gift, we enjoy this wonderful province and country, whose stable democracy allows our economy to thrive, our educational system to produce great thinkers and our people to participate fully and fairly in social, economic and political life.”

During her visit, Premier Dunderdale will also attend wreath-laying ceremonies at Monchy-le Preux, Gueudecourt, Masnieres and Courtrai.

As part of the Beaumont Hamel commemoration, the Provincial Government is providing $55,000 through the Department of Municipal Affairs to support the annual trip of the Royal Canadian Legion, along with selected students, to Beaumont-Hamel to honour the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and their efforts at the Battle of the Somme.

“The Royal Canadian Legion plays an important role in keeping alive the memory of our soldiers,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “I am very proud that we can contribute to their efforts of honouring our soldiers and that through their annual pilgrimage we can continue to mark this historic and significant event.”

“We must forever remember our soldiers as our hearts swell with pride and gratitude for what they did for our province, for their valour, for their honour and for their courage in the face of great adversity,” said Premier Dunderdale.

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2011 06 23                                                                            9:10 a.m.