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Vimy Ridge Day to honour Great War veterans
By Tony Lofaro, Canwest News Service
OTTAWA — The federal government has set aside a special day to honor Canadians who served in the First World War.
Vimy Ridge Day will be held Friday, April 9, at the National War Memorial, Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn announced Tuesday.
Speaking at the Vimy Gallery at the Canadian War Museum, Blackburn said the ceremony will honour First World War Canadian service men and women and pay tribute to their achievements and contributions.
The announcement follows the death of Canada's last known First World War veteran, John Babcock, who died Feb. 18 at the age of 109.
"While we have lost our last direct link to the First World War, we will continue to encourage young Canadians to remember and understand our proud military history and heritage," said Blackburn.
Other ceremonies of remembrance will be held across Canada and at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France and the Canada Memorial at Green Park in London.
There will also be special books of reflection available for members of the public to sign. The books are to be on display at locations across the country, including Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, the War Museum and each provincial legislature.
Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
By Tony Lofaro, Canwest News Service
OTTAWA — The federal government has set aside a special day to honor Canadians who served in the First World War.
Vimy Ridge Day will be held Friday, April 9, at the National War Memorial, Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn announced Tuesday.
Speaking at the Vimy Gallery at the Canadian War Museum, Blackburn said the ceremony will honour First World War Canadian service men and women and pay tribute to their achievements and contributions.
The announcement follows the death of Canada's last known First World War veteran, John Babcock, who died Feb. 18 at the age of 109.
"While we have lost our last direct link to the First World War, we will continue to encourage young Canadians to remember and understand our proud military history and heritage," said Blackburn.
Other ceremonies of remembrance will be held across Canada and at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France and the Canada Memorial at Green Park in London.
There will also be special books of reflection available for members of the public to sign. The books are to be on display at locations across the country, including Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, the War Museum and each provincial legislature.
Copyright (c) Canwest News Service
