Remembrance Day 2018 - November 11, 2018

Book by 31 Oct. 2018 to join the Nov. 11th outing and reception.
As we are all aware, November 11 has a special significance for all Canadians as we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in defence of their country and its values. Over 115,000 Canadians have paid the supreme sacrifice in armed conflict and peacekeeping missions in order that we may enjoy the freedoms and liberties that we take for granted today. Over a 20-month period from July 1943 to March 1945 more than 93,000 Canadians took part in the campaign that led to the liberation of Italy. During this campaign Canadian casualties totalled more than 26,000 with nearly 6,000 paying the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Ortona -- one of the most strategic and bloodiest battles of WWII for Canada, as it opened the way towards victory for the Allied forces. Resting in the Moro River Cemetery are 1,375 Canadians.

The Embassy of Canada will be represented by Ambassador Bugailiskis and Colonel Tom Endicott at the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery (near Ortona) at the Remembrance Day Ceremony at 10:30 on November the 11th.

The Embassy will sponsor one bus to Ortona on November 11 (pending sufficient participation) and CCR members and friends are welcome to participate. The Ortona plan will consist of bus transportation from Rome to Ortona, a ceremony at the Moro River Cemetery and transport into Ortona, where guests will have the opportunity to visit the War Museum prior to a light catered buffet lunch. The bus will depart Ortona mid-afternoon and finish at the Official Residence in Rome, where the Ambassador invites all participants in Ortona to attend an evening reception honouring the Canadians and Italians who sacrificed their lives. Transport from Rome will depart Villa Grazioli at 7:00 a.m. and will return to the Official Residence in Rome no later than 6:30 p.m., in time to attend the reception starting at 7:00.  

Those wishing to use this bus transportation and participate in Ortona and at the Official Residence in Rome on 11 November are requested to advise Sergeant Sonia McLean (sonia.mclean@international.gc.ca) by email no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 31, 2018. A decision regarding the hiring of a bus will be rendered on November 1st.

If you have any questions regarding Remembrance Day events, please direct them to Colonel Tom Endicott, Canadian Defence Attaché, or Sergeant Sonia McLean.