Canada's Capital Region Marks Military Milestones with a Special Exhibit and Banners
The centennial of the end of the First World War and 65th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice are being commemorated through displays in Canada's Capital Region
OTTAWA, June 12, 2018 /CNW/ - Canadian Heritage and Veterans Affairs Canada invite residents and visitors in the nation's capital to explore the new photo exhibit Canada's Hundred Days: The End of the First World War, located on the lower terrace of the Château Laurier overlooking the historic Rideau Canal locks.
The outdoor exhibit marks the centennial of the end of the First World War, focusing on its final 100 days. Featuring colourized black and white photos, the exhibit tells the story of how the experiences of the war would eventually contribute to significant changes in Canadian society.
The centennial is also being commemorated with banners along Confederation Boulevard. These banners are based on the painting The Return to Mons by Inglis Harry Jodrel Sheldon-Williams. Mons was liberated by the Canadian Corps on November 11, 1918, the last act of the First World War.
Another special Confederation Boulevard banner series marks the 65th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. The banner design is based on the painting Freeze by artist and Korean War Veteran Ted Zuber.
Banners highlighting the floral emblems of Canada's provinces and territories?in a style inspired by the stained-glass windows of the House of Commons?also beautify the heart of Canada's Capital Region.
Quotes
"Canada's Capital Region is a place to explore and discover the history that has shaped our great country. Our government is proud to recognize, through this exhibit and banner display, the achievements of all those who served during the First World War and the Korean War."
?The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage
"I invite all Canadians to remember the contributions and sacrifices of those who served our country in times of conflict. This exhibit will help commemorate the centennial of the end of the First World War and the 65th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. We must remember Canada's brave servicemen and servicewomen and help preserve their important legacy for future generations of Canadians."
? The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada and Associate Minister of National Defence
"I am very pleased, both as an artist and a Korean War Veteran, that my painting Freeze was used to create Confederation Boulevard banners commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice."
?Ted Zuber, Artist and Korean War Veteran
Quick Facts
Most of the photos in the exhibit were taken in black and white approximately 100 years ago. They have been digitally colourized for a more realistic depiction.
The banners based on The Return to Mons show Belgian civilians and Canadian troops celebrating in the Grand-Place at Mons shortly after the city's liberation.
The banners based on Freeze illustrate a patrol freezing in action to avoid detection in the light of an enemy flare. They represent the wartime experiences of many Canadians in Korea during what has come to be remembered as the War of Patrols.
The original paintings The Return to Mons and Freeze are held in the collection of the Canadian War Museum.
Every year since 1992, during the summer months, more than 500 commemorative and festive banners have adorned Confederation Boulevard, the official ceremonial route in Canada's Capital Region.
Associated Links
Temporary exhibits in Canada's Capital Region
The Vimy Foundation Colourization Project
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
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