For 172 march participants from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) contingent, today marked the first leg of their 160 kilometre march as part of the 98th annual International Four Days Marches in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
The Nijmegen Marches are the world’s largest walking event. More than 45 000 marchers from more than 50 nations, as well as more than one million spectators, are expected to participate this year. Members of the CAF contingent march in a spirit of international camaraderie with military and civilian participants from around the world.
“The Nijmegen Marches serve to highlight our nation's proud military history while also renewing the special bond between Canada and the Netherlands. I am sure that the Canadian contingent will have an incredible experience marching 160 kilometres over terrain where so many brave Canadians fought and lost their lives – one that they will not soon forget.”
The Honourable Rob Nicholson
Minister of National Defence
“I applaud each and every one of the marchers in the Canadian contingent as they embark upon the Nijmegen Marches this year. Besides the obvious physical challenge presented by marching 160 kilometres over four days, the contingent will pause and reflect as they march through regions of the Netherlands where so many Canadians fought and died during the Second World War. With this annual march, we reinforce our commitment to remember them."
General Tom Lawson
Chief of Defence Staff
“I am honoured to command the contingent this year as we strengthen our unique connection to the Netherlands and commemorate the sacrifices of the Canadians who died and the victories of those who lived while liberating the Netherlands during the Second World War. This year’s Canadian Armed Forces participants will not only have the opportunity to experience the physical challenge that the Nijmegen Marches present, they will also be able to relate to our rich military history and honour those brave Canadians who paved the way to peace and freedom.”
Brigadier-General Alain Pelletier
Commander, Joint Task Force Nijmegen
For more information about the CAF’s participation in the Nijmegen Marches, please consult the Nijmegen Marches Backgrounder.
Still imagery will be available on the Canadian Forces Image Gallery at: www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca
For the most recent news stories and photos of CAF training and participation in the Nijmegen Marches, media can visit the official Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/JointTaskForceNijmegen or follow the CAF contingent’s journey on Twitter @CanadianForces
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Media agencies can request interviews with CAF personnel in Nijmegen by contacting Captain Jennifer Faubert, Joint Task Force Nijmegen Public Affairs Officer at +1-613-945-1698 or jennifer.faubert@forces.gc.ca.
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
