Memorials in Canada and around the world are silent but powerful reminders of the eternal debt of gratitude we owe to the selfless dedication of our service members. More than 12,000 people from Newfoundland and Labrador served in various military branches and services during the First World War. Approximately 1,700 of them died, and more than 800 have no known grave.
To recognize and honour the service and sacrifice of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the Government of Canada is investing over $3.5 million over two years to support the Newfoundland and Labrador National War Memorial Centennial project. This funding will support the renovation of the National War Memorial in St. John's, the creation of the tomb of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier, as well as the repatriation ceremonies.
In recognition of this important initiative, Veterans Affairs Canada is supporting a delegation to France. There, they will honour and recognize the Newfoundland soldiers who fought and died in service of world peace.
As part of this initiative, the Government of Canada will repatriate the remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier from northern France. On 25 May 2024, the Government of France will formally transfer the unknown soldier to the Government of Canada in a public ceremony at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in northern France.
Veterans Affairs Canada, along with other partners, encourages Canadians to learn about the people of Newfoundland and Labrador's military service, contributions and sacrifices from the years before Newfoundland became part of Canada in 1949, until today.
