The Government of Canada takes part in the launch of a commemorative project highlighting Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach

/EINPresswire.com/ -- OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/31/16 -- Department of Canadian Heritage

The From Vimy to Juno national travelling exhibition and education campaign, a new multi-year bilingual commemorative program, will explore the connections between defining moments in Canadian history and the experiences of Canadians who fought in both world wars. The program was developed by the Juno Beach Centre Association (JBCA), a Canadian not-for-profit corporation that owns and operates the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France. It was launched today by the Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The JBCA will receive $420,000 over two years ($281,000 in 2015-16 and $139,000 in 2016-17) from the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Quick Facts

--  The commemorative initiative includes a national travelling exhibition,
    educational tools for schools, special events and a bilingual website.
--  The exhibition will be displayed in communities from coast to coast,
    with seven special educational and promotional events planned in key
    regions.
--  The initiative was launched to coincide with the lead-up to the 100th
    anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge from the First World War and the
    150th anniversary of Confederation, both of which will be marked in
    2017, as well as the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landing on Juno Beach
    during the Second World War, which will be marked in 2019.
--  The Juno Beach Centre Association is a Canadian non-profit charitable
    corporation that owns and operates the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy,
    France-Canada's only museum on the D-Day Landing Beaches. The mandate of
    the JBCA is to provide a tangible and fitting memorial to Canada's
    participation in the Second World War.
--  Since opening in 2003, the JBCA has created over 30 educational displays
    and exhibits so we can all learn more about the sacrifice of Canadians.

Quotes

"These activities will contribute to a greater awareness and understanding of the role of Canada in the First and Second world wars and will encourage Canadians to participate in commemorative activities related to the Vimy centennial, D-Day, and Canada's 150th anniversary next year."

-The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"I am very proud to be here at the home of The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada with representatives of the Juno Beach Centre Association and the Vimy Foundation to launch this project. Educating our young people about Canada's role in the world wars will ensure that we will never forget the sacrifice of our veterans and the contributions of those who participated in the war effort at home."

-The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs

"In two world wars, hundreds of thousands of Canadians fought in France, where their achievements helped shape our national identity. The Juno Beach Centre is proud to bring this legacy from the sacred ground of Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach to all Canadians coast to coast through this special program."

-Don Cooper, President, Juno Beach Centre Association

Associated Links

From Vimy to Juno

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Contacts:
Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca