WHITEHORSE - Premier Dennis Fentie will attend Yukon's ceremony to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge being held in Whitehorse on April 14.
The public is invited to join veterans, their families and participating groups for the ceremony, organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, in front of City Hall. The event will include the rededication of Veterans Square, wreath-laying and parade.
"I am proud to honour Canada's First World War veterans for their significant contribution, and all those who have served and given their lives in times of armed conflict and as peacekeepers," Fentie said.
April 9, 1917 was the first day that English and French Canadians fought side-by-side at Vimy under Canadian command, and three days later on that legendary rise, Canada secured victory. The official 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and Dedication of the Newly Restored Canadian National Vimy Memorial took place in France on April 9. Five Yukon students were among the 3,600 Canadian youth chosen to attend the vigil in France. Each student assumed the identity of one fallen Canadian solider.
In recognition of the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, flags on Yukon government buildings in Whitehorse flew at half-mast on April 9. On the same day, Premier Fentie attended the ceremony of remembrance held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
"I was pleased to be in Ottawa for the ceremony and to lay a wreath on behalf of all Yukoners," Fentie said. "I encourage Yukoners to attend the Whitehorse ceremony, in honour of all veterans, this Saturday at 10:45 a.m."
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Geri Dugas Executive Council Office 867-667-5341 geri.dugas@gov.yk.ca |