In the Cagnicourt British Cemetery in France, a new commemorative marker indicates the grave where Newfoundland and Labrador’s unknown soldier rested for more than 100 years before making his journey home on May 25, 2024.
The new commemorative marker inscription reads:
An unknown Newfoundland soldier of the First World War. The remains were removed on 13 May 2024 and now lie interred at the Newfoundland National War Memorial, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Un soldat de Terre-Neuve inconnu mort au cours de la Première Guerre Mondiale. Il a été exhumé le 13 Mai 2024. Il repose maintenant au Monument Commémoratif National de Guerre de Terre-Neuve à St. John’s, Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador.
Located in the town of Cagnicourt in northern France, the Cagnicourt British Cemetery is the resting place of nearly 300 lost souls, 103 of whom were identified war casualties from the First and Second World Wars.
On Memorial Day, July 1, the unknown soldier was reinterred at the National War Memorial in downtown St. John’s. A full military funeral was held and thousands of people gathered on Water and Duckworth Streets to pay their respects.
Quotes
“To be the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador during the repatriation of our unknown soldier has been an honour and privilege. The new headstone in Cagnicourt is the final chapter of this story and shares the journey of this individual’s tragic loss and his extraordinary return to his homeland.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“The installation of the new headstone in Cagnicourt British Cemetery marks the conclusion of our unknown soldier’s story. I extend my appreciation to Veterans Affairs Canada and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for their part in the careful selection of a cemetery and grave, the exhumation and repatriation to Newfoundland and Labrador soil.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
“To see thousands come together to honour the repatriation of the unknown soldier underscores the profound significance of this moment. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I extend my sincere gratitude to all those who made this tribute possible. The new headstone in Cagnicourt British Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in St. John’s now stand as lasting symbol of the bravery and sacrifice of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who gave their lives for peace and freedom. These memorials will forever remind us of their courage and commitment.”
Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
“From his resting place in Cagnicourt to his resting place at the National War Memorial in St. John’s, our unknown soldier’s journey home inspired the province and the nation. While he is now in our care, he is a reminder of the sacrifice of the thousands that could not come home. We will remember them.”
Seamus O’Regan
Member of Parliament, St. John’s South-Mount Pearl
“The Commonwealth War Graves Commission is honoured to have been part of the remarkable story of the unknown soldier. We will continue to care for the graves and memorials which commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First and Second World Wars, ensuring that they are all remembered in perpetuity.”
Richard Hills
Director of Commemorations at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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Progress Continues on the National War Memorial Refurbishment
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