Canadian Delegation departs for Turkey to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign

Minister Yelich to participate in commemorative ceremonies

ST. JOHN'S, April 22, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular) will lead a delegation of members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment to Turkey to mark the 100^th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign.

Over three days, the delegation will be participating in several ceremonies hosted by the Governments of Turkey, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and France to honour those who lost their lives on the Gallipoli peninsula during the First World War.

While in Turkey, Minister of State Yelich will also attend a peace summit hosted by the Government of Turkey.

Quick Facts

• More than 1,000 Newfoundlanders landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in September 1915.
• The Battle of Gallipoli was the first of many battles in which the Newfoundland Regiment gained its impressive reputation for courage and achievement during the First World War, eventually earning them the title "Royal."
• The Newfoundland Regiment was the only North American unit to fight in the Gallipoli campaign of 1915.
• When the decision was made to evacuate all British Empire forces from the area, the regiment was chosen to be a part of the rearguard, finally withdrawing from Gallipoli with the last of the British Dardanelles Army troops on 9 January, 1916.
• The Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) first landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25, 1915. Now designated ANZAC Day, April 25, is the annual national day on which both countries commemorate all men and women who have fought and died in all wars.
• The Government of Canada joins Australia and New Zealand in marking ANZAC Day annually.

Quotes  

"One hundred years ago, during the Gallipoli Campaign, the Newfoundland Regiment engaged in months of brutal trench fighting alongside the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. We will always remember the service of these brave Newfoundlanders and the important role they played in the safe withdrawal of Allied forces from the harsh Gallipoli front."
The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"On this 100^th anniversary, Canadians remember the members of the Newfoundland Regiment who courageously served during the Gallipoli Campaign and express to them our deepest gratitude. We also honour the tremendous sacrifices endured by our long-time allies, the Australians and New Zealanders."
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)

"The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council is pleased the Government of Canada delegation includes four members of the regiment and its Honorary Colonel, the Honourable Frank Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, as they attend the commemorative events  in Gallipoli. The Regiment first saw action during the First World War at Gallipoli and was the only North American Regiment to have served in that campaign."
Ron Penney, Chair, Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council

Associated Links

• Minister Yelich Travels to Turkey
• The Newfoundland Regiment at Gallipoli

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

Related Links

www.veterans.gc.ca