OTTAWA, ON, June 1, 2026 /CNW/ - The Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, alongside General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff, and a delegation representing the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, will mark the 110^th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel with a series of events in Northern France and Belgium, including a Signature Ceremony at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France on July 1, 2026.

Members of the media who wish to cover the signature ceremony must register online. The deadline for registration is 12 June, 2026.

Events:
All times are Central European Time Zone

30 June 2026 – 18:30
Unveiling of new Danger Tree
Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial (Beaumont-Hamel, France)
Media registration is required for this event. Please register by contacting media@veterans.gc.ca with your name and media outlet.

1 July 2026 – 15:00
Signature commemorative ceremony
Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial (Beaumont-Hamel, France)
Registration is required for all media. Please register here.

2 July 2026 – 10:00
Commemorative ceremony
Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial (Monchy-le-Preux, France)
Media registration is required for this event. Please register by contacting media@veterans.gc.ca with your name and media outlet.

2 July 2026 – 14:00
Commemorative ceremony
Masnières Newfoundland Memorial (Masnières, France)
Media registration is required for this event. Please register by contacting media@veterans.gc.ca with your name and media outlet.

Associated links:

• Battle of Beaumont-Hamel
• Battle of the Somme
• Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial
• Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial
• Masnières Newfoundland Memorial
• Building from memory: Recreating the Danger Tree

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada - Ottawa