People came out in large numbers on the weekend to pay their respects as the remains of an unknown soldier, killed in battle during WWI, returned home.
The mortal remains of that one nameless, faceless soldier now represent every soldier who never came home.
The remains will be laid to rest in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial on Duckworth Street in St. John’s.
The soldier’s flag-draped casket, which arrived in St. John’s Saturday evening on a military flight from France, were carried in procession past numerous sites linked to the Newfoundland Regiment in WWI.
Those who lined the streets of St. John’s Saturday evening came out for their own reasons.
Some lost family in WWI, others have connections to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, some had served themselves, while others recognized the historical significance of the event and what the Unknown Soldier represents.
The Unknown Soldier will lie in state June 28 to June 30 in the East Block lobby at Confederation Building, and will be interred in time for Memorial Day ceremonies on July 1.
Meanwhile, Premier Andrew Furey, who has been named the next of kin for the Unknown Soldier, penned the following letter to the family whose loved ones never returned from the battle:
To the family of the fallen,
It’s with the heaviest heart but one that’s full of pride that I write to tell you of the news of your son.
First, know that he was part of an extraordinary group. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians earned a
reputation as the fiercest soldiers to step into the muddy trenches across Europe. Fearless and with a
drive that looks like boldness but, being from here, we know to be that quintessential grit and
determination we all have to see a job done, and done right.Your son fought with valour and paid the ultimate sacrifice in the fields of France for the privileges
and freedoms we enjoy today. Shoulder to shoulder, he and his comrades battled far from our rustic
shores. In the hellfire of places like Gallipoli, Monchy le Preux, and in the horrors of Beaumont
Hamel. His efforts and fortitude were recognized, and the Newfoundland Regiment received the
honourable title of ‘Royal’ by King George V for their spirit, drive, and gallantry.For more than 100 years, your family and generations since have been denied the prayers and
dreams of the return of your son. It’s my great privilege to write to you today that I had the
humbling honour of accompanying your son back home on Saturday, May 25, 2024, to the shores
where he began his journey more than a century ago. Amid weeks of caplin weather, the sun broke
through, and the skies cleared during his arrival. The water on Quidi Vidi Lake was Regatta calm.
The city sat in silent witness. Unusually quiet. Many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians lined the
streets along the route. Their faces pensive. Solemn, as the hearse made its way to the old parade
grounds near Fort Townsend.In your absence, I serve as next of kin for your son, and I want to confirm to you today he has come
home to our pine clad hills. I hope it comforts you to know that the people of the province showed
up for him. Stood guard. Paid homage with their presence while grieving with you, and for you.
Your son will lie in state so the century of prayers and loss will allow you to reflect and mourn in
the embrace of our province, whose people owe you the essence of who we are and the freedom we
are allowed to enjoy.I know this will never repay our debt to you or provide the solace required to ever heal. But I pray it
provides you and others, those with loved ones left behind, known only unto God in unknown
tombs, some well-earned peace, and the solemnity of closure.Your boy is now home.
God guard thee Newfoundland and Labrador
With love and the deepest respect,
Dr. Andrew J. Furey
14th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador