The events of the First World War are seared into the memories of many Canadians as a defining moment in our nation's history.
And on July 1, Canadians will celebrate the country's 149th birthday, the anniversary of the day in 1967 that Canada became a new federation with its own constitution.
But for Newfoundlanders, July 1 has another, less joyful meaning, and this year, people who visit Port Moody Station Museum June 30 and July 1 will find out why.
For the first time, the PoMo Museum on Murray Street will acknowledge Beaumont Hamel Day, which marks the sacrifice of the Newfoundland Regiment, whose soldiers died or were injured during a deadly attack on German lines on July 1, 1916, the opening day of the Battle of the Somme.
"Newfoundland was not part of Canada in 1916," said museum executive director Jim Millar, noting that province didn't officially join Canada until 1949. "[As a result] they get kind of forgotten in the First World War and even the Second World War."
While Newfoundlanders solemnly remember the events of the battle of Beaumont Hamel, in which more than 700 men were killed or injured, few Canadians from other provinces know about the events of 100 years ago, and Millar, a Newfoundlander, wants to change that with special commemorative events.
On June 30, there will be a talk about the Battle of the Somme by educator John Goheen, who brings a wealth of knowledge to the topic, having guided the Royal Canadian Legion's Pilgrimage of Remembrance to WWI sites for several years. The talk will begin at 7 p.m., with a candlelight vigil starting at 7:50 p.m.
Then on July 1 at 5 p.m., the museum will host a Newfie Kitchen Party, with lobster and the fixings, as well as live entertainment by Newfish and representatives from local craft breweries.
"It's sort of the idea of Newfoundland having the sombre remembrance in the morning and a party in the afternoon," Millar said.
Goheen said the Battle of Beaumont Hamel, which took place on the morning of July 1, 1916, was essentially a massacre, with hundreds of men being cut down by enemy fire with little to show for it.
"Of the 748 who went forward, only 110 survived unscathed and 68 were available to muster the next day."
It was a time of so-called "pals brigades," when colleagues, friends and relatives from entire communities joined up, resulting in devastating losses to towns and villages in Newfoundland, Goheen said.
"Every town or village knew someone who was killed," Goheen said, noting that the intent of the talk on June 30 is not to glorify war but to educate people about the events of 100 years ago.
In Newfoundland, Beaumont Hamel Day is an official day of remembrance. To learn more, attend the talk at the Port Moody Station Museum on Thursday, June 30 at 7 p.m., followed up by a candlelight vigil at 7:50 p.m.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
• June 30 at 7 p.m.: Talk on the Battle of the Somme followed by a candlelight vigil at 7:50 p.m. at the Port Moody Station Museum
• July 1: Canada Day festivities at the museum, with games and activities for all ages.
• July 1, 5 p.m.: Newfie Kitchen Party, $30 per ticket. (To buy tickets, call 604-939-1648 or email [email protected].
Port Moody Station Museum is located at 2734 Murray St., Port Moody, at Rocky Point Park.
