The Canadian Ministers of Finance and of Veteran Affairs have announced that the Canadian Government will invest $5 million for a permanent visitor centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.
The visitor centre is expected to be completed by 2017 – the Centenary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
The battle saw a Canadian victory over German forces and has had a lasting influence on Canadian history and identity, as the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Steven Blaney, recognised:
“Our nation paid dearly at Vimy Ridge… However, despite the immense sacrifice paid by our fellow Canadians… we found in ourselves a stronger sense of identity—of pride—in our brave nation”.
“The establishment of a permanent Visitor Centre at Vimy will help educate citizens and friends of Canada about the sacrifices and achievements of Canadians during the First World War”.
The Minister of Finance, Kim Flaherty, stated that the Canadian Government was “committed to building a lasting legacy to honour the sacrifices of Canadians who helped to shape our nation”.
To read the full press release, visit the Canadian Department of Veterans’ Affairs website here.
Date of press release publication: 14/05/2013
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News