A somber ceremony took place this morning marking the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel.
Veterans, government officials, and members of the general public turned out in the rain to mark the solemn occasion.
Many veterans gathered for the event, as well as members of the general public who stood back on both Water Street and Duckworth @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/JTtZPfKDKV
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) July 1, 2021
On this date in 1916, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment was devastated in battle during World War I. Hundreds lost their lives, and the next morning only 68 members answered the roll call.
The service is to honour all veterans who have served.
The rain that was coming down for the first part of the ceremony subsided just in time for the moment of silence and wreath-laying, leaving a calm stillness in the air.
The rain was coming down as people gathered for the ceremony, but it subsided just in time for the moment of silence and the wreath laying. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/amGVM6fy2C
— Richard Duggan (@RDugganVOCM) July 1, 2021
That portion of the ceremony was scaled back this year due to the pandemic, with government officials and organizations like the RCMP and Royal Canadian Legion laying wreaths first, and members of the general public coming up to pay their respects afterward.
