memphiz
07-18-2004, 09:21 PM
Canadian Forces Contingent Departs for Nijmegen Marches
OTTAWA, July 16 /CNW Telbec/ - A 220-person Canadian Forces contingent
departs Canada today for the 88th annual Nijmegen Marches, which will be
conducted in the Netherlands from July 20 to July 23, 2004. Canadian military
contingents have participated in the Nijmegen Marches since 1952.
Led by Brigadier-General Raymond Romses, the Canadian contingent is
representative of the CF as a whole, comprising members of the Regular Force
and the Reserves from across the country. Canadian soldiers, sailors and air
force personnel consider it an honour and privilege to be selected for the
gruelling four-day event.
"Canada's participation in the Nijmegen Marches is a testament to the
dedication of the CF to commemorating the Canadians who died liberating
Holland during the Second World War," said General Ray Henault, Chief of the
Defence Staff.
An international training event that develops such core military values
as leadership, teamwork and stamina, the Nijmegen Marches has become the
world's largest walking event, attracting thousands of civilian participants
as well as hundreds of military teams. More than 40,000 marchers from at least
50 nations are expected to participate this year.
For military participants, the Nijmegen Marches is a stern test of
physical and mental stamina; they must complete 160 km in four days, while
carrying a standard military rucksack weighing at least 10 kg. During the
months of training required to be selected for the Canadian contingent,
candidates march an average of 700 km with their rucksacks.
"Canada will be represented by well-led teams displaying the results of
good, hard training, and exhibiting the strong sense of teamwork that has
always been a point of pride for our Forces," said Brig.-Gen. Romses.
During their stay in the Nijmegen area, members of the Canadian
contingent will visit the Groesbeek Commonwealth War Cemetery to pay their
respects to the more than 2,300 Canadian soldiers and airmen who died during
the liberation of Holland in 1944 and 1945. On the way to the Netherlands,
contingent members will also hold a memorial ceremony at the Canadian National
Vimy Memorial in France. The Royal Canadian Legion is providing sponsorship
funds towards this Non-Public Property Vimy Ridge Visit.
OTTAWA, July 16 /CNW Telbec/ - A 220-person Canadian Forces contingent
departs Canada today for the 88th annual Nijmegen Marches, which will be
conducted in the Netherlands from July 20 to July 23, 2004. Canadian military
contingents have participated in the Nijmegen Marches since 1952.
Led by Brigadier-General Raymond Romses, the Canadian contingent is
representative of the CF as a whole, comprising members of the Regular Force
and the Reserves from across the country. Canadian soldiers, sailors and air
force personnel consider it an honour and privilege to be selected for the
gruelling four-day event.
"Canada's participation in the Nijmegen Marches is a testament to the
dedication of the CF to commemorating the Canadians who died liberating
Holland during the Second World War," said General Ray Henault, Chief of the
Defence Staff.
An international training event that develops such core military values
as leadership, teamwork and stamina, the Nijmegen Marches has become the
world's largest walking event, attracting thousands of civilian participants
as well as hundreds of military teams. More than 40,000 marchers from at least
50 nations are expected to participate this year.
For military participants, the Nijmegen Marches is a stern test of
physical and mental stamina; they must complete 160 km in four days, while
carrying a standard military rucksack weighing at least 10 kg. During the
months of training required to be selected for the Canadian contingent,
candidates march an average of 700 km with their rucksacks.
"Canada will be represented by well-led teams displaying the results of
good, hard training, and exhibiting the strong sense of teamwork that has
always been a point of pride for our Forces," said Brig.-Gen. Romses.
During their stay in the Nijmegen area, members of the Canadian
contingent will visit the Groesbeek Commonwealth War Cemetery to pay their
respects to the more than 2,300 Canadian soldiers and airmen who died during
the liberation of Holland in 1944 and 1945. On the way to the Netherlands,
contingent members will also hold a memorial ceremony at the Canadian National
Vimy Memorial in France. The Royal Canadian Legion is providing sponsorship
funds towards this Non-Public Property Vimy Ridge Visit.