Visit to France and Belgium - Day 1
The Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada David Johnston took part in a ceremony at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in the presence of hundreds of young Canadians.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0106-001
The Governor General read In Flanders Field poem during the ceremony: "Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields."
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0110-005
After the war, Menin Gate, a 17th century gate in the eastern ramparts of Ypres (Ieper), was chosen as the site of a Memorial Arch. The Arch commemorates, by name, nearly 55 000 dead of the armies of the Commonwealth who fell in Belgium. Of these, 6 940 are Canadians.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0110-004
En route to Menin Gate, under the rain.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0110-003
The Governor General inspected a guard of honour before taking part in a ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial, in Ypres (Ieper), Belgium.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0110-001
A toast was shared by all the guests!
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0109-003
The Governor General also said a few words.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0109-002
In Belgium, His Excellency and Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs were invited to a reception hosted by the Mayor of Ypres (Ieper), Mr. Luc Dehaene. Mr.Dehaene delivered remarks.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0109-001
His Excellency met many of the young Canadians that were there.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0106-006
Hundreds of young Canadians were at Beaumont-Hamel with the Governor General.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0106-005
"Through their enormous sacrifice, the members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Royal Naval Reserve and the Newfoundland Mercantile Marine who are honoured here made our country, and our world, more caring and sensitive to the cost of war."
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0106-004
The Beaumont-Hamel Memorial commemorates all Newfoundlanders who fought in the Great War, particularly those who have no known grave.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0106-003
Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, also attended the event. During is time in France and Belgium, the Governor General will actually join a Canadian delegation and nearly 5 000 Canadian students to take part in special events commemorating the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0106-002
A march off concluded the ceremony.
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0110-006