July 1st is a day both of celebration and of mourning for Newfoundlanders. We celebrate because it is the anniversary of Canada's birthday as a nation. Newfoundlanders mourn for it is also the anniversary of the day when the 1st Newfoundland Regiment was destroyed during World War I.
While it is fun to party and celebrate a birthday, we must never forget the more tragic events of July 1, 1916. The 1st Newfoundland Regiment were part of the Batallion that went over the top at Beaumont-Hamel in the Battle of the Somme on that day. In less than one half hour, most of them were dead. Of the Regiments 801 members, only 68 answered at roll call the following morning.
So, before you join the celebratory events of Canada Day, please take a few minutes to remember, honour and be thankful for those soldiers who died fighting for our freedom.
For further information, check out the links below.
Holiday Pages
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Music: 'O Canada'
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