CP2004-000924
THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA UNVEILS A PLAQUE TO COMMEMORATE THE NATIONAL HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BREACHING OF THE GOTHIC LINE
RIMINI, ITALY, November 1, 2004 — The Honourable Albina Guarnieri, Minister of Veterans Affairs, unveiled, on behalf of the Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Stéphane Dion, a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of the Breaching of the Gothic Line in the Canadian campaign in Italy during the Second World War.
This ceremony was part of a Government of Canada commemorative program to mark the 60th anniversary of the Canadian key role in the Italian campaign.
"Their breakthrough of the German's Gothic Line defensive barrier in northern Italy was one of the Canadian Army's finest feats of arms in the Second World War," said Minister Dion. "Today's commemoration ensures that this outstanding achievement of our Second World War soldiers will continue to be honoured by present and future generations of Canadians."
Stretching along the northern fringe of the Apennine Mountains from La Spezia in the west to Pesaro in the east, the heavily fortified Gothic Line was designed to ensure German control of northern Italy. It was the last main German defensive barrier and of vital strategic importance.
"Sixty years ago, young men from small towns in Canada became exporters of peace and freedom when they joined Allied forces across the ocean and landed in Sicily and Italy," said Minister Guarnieri.
This is the second of three plaques being unveiled by the Government of Canada in Italy over a four-day span. The first was unveiled in Ortona on October 27 to commemorate the Canadian Army's role in the Battle for Ortona, and the third will be unveiled in Ispica on November 2 to commemorate the Canadian landing in Sicily.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of the Environment about the national historic significance of persons, places and events that have marked Canada's history. The placement of a commemorative plaque represents an official recognition of their historic value. It is one means of informing the public about the richness of Canada's heritage, which must be preserved for present and future generations.
Information:
Emma Orawiec
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441
Michel Audy
Executive Secretary
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
(819) 997-0129