Minister Yelich joins Royal Newfoundland Regiment at centennial ceremonies in Gallipoli

Government of Canada delegation in Turkey to mark 100^th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign

GALLIPOLI PENINSULA, Turkey, April 24, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular) and a delegation of members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment are in Gallipoli today to mark the 100^th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign. The delegation is participating in ceremonies to honour those who lost their lives on the Gallipoli Peninsula during the First World War, including those who served with the Newfoundland Regiment.

As part of the commemoration of the Gallipoli centenary, the delegation attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the French Military Cemetery in Seddülbahir, witnessed the signing of the Book of Commemoration in a Turkish International Service at the Mehmetcik Monument in Abide, and participated in the Commonwealth and Ireland Service in Hellespont—one of five sites dedicated to commemorating those Commonwealth servicemen who died with no known grave.

On ANZAC Day, April 25, the delegation marked the landing of Allied Forces at Gallipoli by attending the Dawn Service, conducted at the ANZAC Commemorative Site in ANZAC Cove, and the Australian Memorial Service, held at Lone Pine.

While in Turkey, Minister of State Yelich also attended 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 where the Newfoundland Regiment gained its impressive reputation for achievements during the First World War, earning it 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 January 9, 1916.
• The Australian and New Zealand Army Corp (ANZAC) first landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25, 1915. Designated ANZAC Day, April 25 is the annual national day on which both countries commemorate all men and women who fought and died in all wars.
• More than 20 of the over 40 members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who are known to have died during the campaign are buried on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
• The Government of Canada joins Australia and New Zealand in marking ANZAC Day annually.

Quotes

"Canada is forever grateful for the sacrifices made by all who fought during the First World War. At Gallipoli, we will recognize and honour the Newfoundlanders who served bravely along with so many fellow soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain and France. We remain forever in their debt."
The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)

"The courage and bravery demonstrated by the Newfoundland Regiment, the only North American Unit to fight alongside the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the Gallipoli campaign, are truly remarkable. On this 100^th anniversary, we remember all the Allied forces who valiantly served and made the ultimate sacrifice defending peace and freedom in Gallipoli."
The Honourable Erin O'Toole, Minister of Veterans Affairs

Associated Links

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

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

Related Links

www.veterans.gc.ca