News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER ATTENDS EASTER DINNER WITH VETERANS

April 8, 2007
VERLINGHEM, FRANCE

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today attended Easter dinner with Canadian Veterans at La Ferme des Templiers, in Verlinghem, France. A series of events over Easter weekend are commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the dedication of the newly restored National Canadian Vimy Memorial.

The Prime Minister and his family were joined by a contingent of Canadian Veterans, Canadian Parliamentarians, members of the Canadian Forces and the RCMP, and partners of the Canadian Battlefield Memorial Restoration Project. Prime Minister Harper and fellow guests reflected on the importance of the evening.

"Canada's victory at Vimy transformed what was then a very young country into a confident, mature, fully independent nation," said the Prime Minister. "Canada changed forever that day. Our perception of ourselves changed, and so did the world's perception of us. No longer just part of the Empire, from then on Canada spoke with its own voice."

Tomorrow, at the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, thousands of Canadians will take part in ceremonies of remembrance in France and across Canada in tribute to the brave soldiers who participated in this battle.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge began on April 9, 1917. It was there that the Canadians captured Vimy Ridge. This success came at a cost of more than 10,000 casualties, of which 3,598 were fatal.

For more information on Vimy events, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call toll-free
1-800-443-0394.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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