The arrival of the remains of an unidentified Newfoundland soldier who perished in France during World War I is anticipated on Saturday in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. Plans are underway for a solemn reburial ceremony on July 1.
While most Canadians celebrate July 1 as Canada Day, in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is also Memorial Day. This day commemorates the Newfoundland Regiment members who lost their lives on July 1, 1916, during the tragic battle at Beaumont-Hamel in France.
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan, a Newfoundland MP, expressed, “So many small communities in Newfoundland suffered significant losses that day.”
July 1 holds a unique significance for Newfoundlanders, marking a blend of celebration and mourning. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial, where the unknown soldier’s remains will be interred on Memorial Day.
Delegations from the Canadian and provincial governments, Canadian Armed Forces, and veterans recently visited France to pay respects at memorial sites and cemeteries for fallen Newfoundlanders.
The French government is expected to officially transfer the unknown soldier’s remains to Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador on May 25 at a repatriation ceremony. The soldier will then be flown to St. John’s for reburial.
Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey will act as the unknown soldier’s next of kin, representing all those who lost loved ones in WWI. The soldier’s body is set to arrive in St. John’s on May 25 and will lie in state at the provincial legislature from June 28 to June 30, followed by a funeral procession on July 1.
During WWI, Newfoundland was a separate dominion within the British Empire and not yet part of Canada. The Newfoundland Regiment suffered heavy losses at Beaumont-Hamel, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Over 12,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians served in various roles during the war, with about 1,700 casualties and over 800 with no known grave. The reburial of the unknown soldier symbolizes the sacrifices made by these brave individuals.
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