MEDIA ADVISORY-War Museum Photo-Op
January 18, 2011 |
Posted on: 18/01/2011
MEDIA ADVISORY—War Museum Photo-Op
You are cordially invited to attend a photo opportunity.King Edward VIII Vimy Pilgrimage Medal arrives
at the Canadian War Museum
Thursday, January 20, 2011
11 a.m.
Royal Canadian Legion Hall of Honour
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario
The King Edward VIII Vimy Pilgrimage Medal will be unveiled against the backdrop of Georges Bertin Scott’s 1937 painting The Unveiling of the Vimy Memorial, which depicts His Royal Majesty King Edward VIII wearing the medallion in 1936.
The War Museum’s latest acquisition was recently purchased with the support of the Vimy Foundation.
The program will begin at 11 a.m. and run approximately 40 minutes.
RSVP and information:
Avra Gibbs Lamey | Yasmine Mingay |
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND:
On November 30, 2010, the Canadian War Museum announced the successful purchase of the Royal Canadian Legion Vimy Pilgrimage Medal worn by King Edward VIII when he unveiled the Vimy Memorial on July 26, 1936. The medallion was purchased in late 2010 for £12,500 (approximately $20,000), with the support of the Vimy Foundation.
The Royal Canadian Legion Vimy Pilgrimage Medal worn by King Edward VIII was purchased with the generous financial assistance of the Vimy Foundation. The Vimy Foundation seeks to preserve and promote Canada’s First World War legacy as symbolized by the victory at Vimy Ridge in April 1917, a milestone in which Canada came of age and was recognized on the world stage.
Andrew Powell, Founder and President Emeritus of the Vimy Foundation, stated, “The key to a successful future lies in knowing one’s past, and the remarkable story of Vimy should be shared with young people from across the country. This is why the Vimy Foundation supported the Canadian War Museum in its bid to acquire this important object as part of the national heritage of all Canadians.” Mark O’Neill, Director General of the Canadian War Museum, added, “We are grateful to the Vimy Foundation for its significant contribution.” The Vimy Foundation received special donations for this purchase from Andrew Powell and John McCall MacBain.
All Canadian veterans and their families were given the Vimy Pilgrimage Medal provided b