OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today attended a special commemorative ceremony at the National War Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honouring the Canadian men and women who served in the First World War.  The ceremony, held on Vimy Ridge Day, also marked the recent passing of John “Jack” Babcock, Canada’s last known First World War Veteran.  The Prime Minister was joined by Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture).
 
“Today, we pay homage to the generation whose fearlessness in battle and selflessness in intention defined our young nation in the eyes of the world,” said the Prime Minister. “They risked their lives so the people of Europe could live with the same peace and freedom that had taken such deep root in Canada.”
 
Between 1914 and 1918, more than 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the First World War.  Of these, more than 170,000 were injured and more than 68,000 lost their lives.  The extraordinary achievements of Canadian troops and Canada’s contribution to the First World War resulted in Canada’s emergence as a sovereign nation.
 
“With the passing of John ‘Jack’ Babcock earlier this year, Canada sadly lost its last living link to that generation,” added the Prime Minister.  “While those Canadians who fought in that epic struggle may now have passed from the face of the earth, their legacy lives on all around us.”

Today’s commemorative ceremony included the laying of floral arrangements on behalf of the People of Canada, the Government of Canada and Veterans, as well as a musical performance by Métis fiddler Sierra Noble.  Ceremonies also took place at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France; the Canada Memorial in Green Park in London, England; and across Canada in provincial and territorial capitals.  To give Canadians across the country and abroad a chance to pay their respects, Books of Reflection are also on display in Canada on Parliament Hill, at Rideau Hall, the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa and each provincial/territorial legislature.  Internationally, Books of Reflection are also available at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France, at Canada House in London, England, and at the Canadian Forces Base in Kandahar until April 12. 
           
For more information on the achievements and sacrifices of Canadians in the First World War, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at www.vac-acc.gc.ca.