News Release

Names of Executed Soldiers to be Placed into Canada’s Book of Remembrance

Ottawa - The Honourable Ron J. Duhamel, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State (Western Diversification) (Francophonie) today announced that the names of 23 Canadian soldiers executed in the First World War will be added to the Book of Remembrance. The Minister made his announcement during a special statement in the House of Commons concerning the 23 soldiers who were executed for military offences of desertion and cowardice.

"Those who go to war at the request of their nation do not know the fate that lies in store for them. This was a war of such overwhelming sound, fury and unrelenting horror that few combatants could remain unaffected," said Minister Duhamel. "While we cannot relive those awful years of a nation at peril in total war, and although the culture of that time is subsequently too distant for us to comprehend fully, we can give these 23 soldiers a dignity that is their due, and provide closure to their families."

"Adding their names to the pages of this sacred book will be a fair and just testament to their service, their sacrifice, and our gratitude," the Minister stated. "While the 23 soldiers came from different regions of Canada, they all volunteered to serve their country in its citizen-army and their service, and the hardships they endured prior to their offences, will be unrecorded and unremembered, no more."

The First World War Book of Remembrance lies in the Memorial Chamber located on the second level of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill. It contains the names of the 66,655 Canadian men and women who lost their lives in the Great War. Separate Books of Remembrance honour merchant mariners and Newfoundlanders who died in the First World War and other wars. There are three other Books of Remembrance in the Chamber which attracts more than half a million visitors each year.

Minister Duhamel also expressed his appreciation to Canada's veterans' organizations for their helpful advice on this matter.

The full text of Minister Duhamel's statement and a backgrounder listing the name, rank, regiment, and date of death are attached. Both documents are also available at: www.vac-acc.gc.ca. More information can also be obtained on the Canadian Virtual War Memorial at: www.virtualmemorial.gc.ca and at National Archives: www.archives.ca/02/02010602_e.html.

Backgrounder

Minister's Statement

All Other Enquiries:
information@vac-acc.gc.ca