During the First World War and the Second World War, thousands of Canadians bravely served overseas to defend world democracy and freedom. Sites and memorials, such as the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial, keep alive the achievements and sacrifices of those who served Canada in times of war and peace.
Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, visited the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. To help preserve Canada's legacy, he announced an investment of $11.7M over six years and almost $300K annually to maintain, modernize and enhance visitors' experience at Canada's 15 overseas memorial sites.
Most of this funding will be invested in the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial. These are Canada's only two national historic sites overseas. At the other 13 memorial sites, we will develop and add new interpretative panels and highlight the stories of Canadians who served overseas.
The Vimy and Beaumont-Hamel memorial sites are iconic representations of Canada overseas. Together, these sites welcome almost 900,000 visitors every year, including Canadians, visitors from around the world, local citizens and thousands of school children.
