Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs, Julian Fantino, has given details of his country’s plans to mark the Centenary of the First World War at an international meeting in Paris.
Representatives from 22 countries attended the talks about plans to mark the 100 year anniversary of the conflict.
Kader Arif, Minister for Veterans at the French Ministry of Defence, organised the meeting on 18th October 2013. Plans were also discussed to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings during the Second World War.
The Canadian Ministry of Veterans Affairs described the meeting as “an important opportunity to build ties with international counterparts on a key, historic joint initiative, to coordinate national and international programs on the centennial and to develop a common approach to international ceremonies that will take place beginning in 2014”.
Commemorations
Over the next few years, Canada will be marking key milestones in its history, including the Centenary and the D-Day landings, as well the 75th anniversary of the start of the Second World War and the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation in 2017.
Mr Fantino said: “the 100th anniversary of the First World War and the 75th anniversary of the Second World War represent a unique opportunity for Canadians to reflect on our country’s long and proud military history.”
“Throughout this period, the Government of Canada, in collaboration with partners in Canada and abroad, will carry out a variety of commemorative initiatives marking the tremendous sacrifices and accomplishments of all those who served during these great wars”.
Key dates
2014 – Canada will participate in the Bastille Day Military Parade in France.
2015 – The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli will be marked with commemorative ceremonies in Turkey.
2016 – The 100th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel will be commemorated.
2017 – The 100 year anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge will mark the “culmination of Centennial events”. Thousands of students are expected to join in honouring Canada’s Veterans of the First World War.
Battles related to Canada’s Hundred Days, which led to the Armistice, will also be commemorated during this period.
Announcements regarding anniversaries related to the Second World War were also made.
Mr Fantino also reiterated the Canadian Government’s commitment to developing a permanent visitor centre at the Canadian National Vimy Ridge Memorial in France, to be completed by the 9th April 2017 – the 100th anniversary of the battle.
Source: Canadian Government Veterans Affairs press release
Date of press release: 18/10/2013
Images courtesy of the Canadian Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News