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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News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER ATTENDS FREEDOM OF THE CITY CEREMONY IN ARRAS, FRANCE

April 8, 2007
Arras, France

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his family today attended a Freedom of the City parade and ceremony in Arras, France. The Freedom of the City event is one in a series of events over Easter weekend marking the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

"The Freedom of the City ceremony is steeped in the noblest military traditions. Today, we celebrate the trust and friendship between two nations and our citizens.," said the Prime Minister. "Of all the ties that bind Canada and France, few are stronger than those forged right here, nine decades ago, during the Battles of Arras and Vimy Ridge."

The ceremony included an emotional tribute to Canadian servicemen with a parade led by the Canadian Forces. With drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed, the Canadian unit marched through the community up to City Hall. The Mayor of Arras, Monsieur Jean-Marie Vanlerenberghe then presented the Canadians with the Freedom of the City scroll, in honour of the heroic service of the Canadian Corps during the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the liberation of Arras.

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
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]