Visit to France and Belgium - Day 2
To the Canadian students at Wellington Quarry with him, the Governor General said: "Two years ago, Canada lost its last living link to the First World War—John Babcock, who died at the age of 109. My generation was fortunate to hear first-hand from survivors, to learn of the horror and the bravery and the sacrifice. The generation to come will have no such link, but will rely on us to tell the stories, to pass them on, to teach the lessons of war so that we never have to repeat our mistakes."
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0112-001
The Canadian students offered hockey jerseys to both the Governor General and the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Steven Blaney.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0117-003
Later during the day, the Governor General delivered a speech to thousands of Canadian students during a cultural evening with the theme of celebrating the birth of a nation.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0117-001
The Governor General also laid a wreath of flowers at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0114-010
His Excellency delivered a speech at the remembrance ceremony at Vimy: "What should all Canadians recognize and remember 95 years later—95 years after the single bloodiest day in Canadian military history? We recognize and should always remember that out of the staggering death and destruction of that battle, out of the stunning carnage of that day, out of the cruellest conflict in our national life, we Canadians have been able to grasp and carry forward something that is true and honourable and lasting: that we are a smart and caring nation, that to prosper we must become ever smarter, ever more caring, and that when we work together in a spirit of ingenuity and compassion, the best that Canadians have to give the world is the best that anyone can give."
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0114-007
His Excellency proudly walked by the members of the Canadian Forces.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0114-006
The Governor General and Commander-in-Chief proceeded with an inspection of the guard.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0114-004
Thousands of Canadians gathered in Vimy, under the rain, for the occasion.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0114-003
The ceremony took place at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0114-002
Their Excellencies took part in the remembrance ceremony in honour of the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0114-001
Their Excellencies were joined, among others, by Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0112-005
During the ceremony held at the Wellington Quarry, the Governor General laid a wreath of flowers on behalf of all Canadians.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0112-004
Their Excellencies visited the Wellington Quarry, in Arras, France. It is a historic underground site that allows visitors to share the experience of thousands of soldiers before the offensive of April 9, 1917. Canadians students also visited the site.
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0112-002
The Governor General and the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Steven Blaney, obviously appreciated the gesture!
Mon, 04/09/2012 - 12:00 MCpl Dany Veillette, Rideau Hall GG2012-0117-004