Hon. Iris G. Petten: Honourable senators, I am rising today to deliver my first statement in this chamber.

Remembrance Day is next Saturday, and I want to draw attention to a topic that is dear to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians — the repatriation of an unknown First World War soldier from Northern France.

When the First World War broke out, Newfoundland’s population was 240,000, and over 12,000 Newfoundlanders volunteered for service. That was 5% of the population. This legacy remains important to this day, and shows that when we as a province commit to a cause, we do so fully.

The Newfoundland Regiment’s advance at Beaumont-Hamel on the morning of July 1, 1916, is an enduring symbol of valour and terrible wartime sacrifice. Of the 800 Newfoundlanders who fought on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, only 68 answered roll call the next day. More than 700 soldiers were killed, wounded or missing in action.

The regiment went on to rebuild its strength and fight in other important battles in France. It gained such a reputation for reliability under fire that, in 1917, it was renamed the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.

Next year, an unknown soldier from the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who died in France will be repatriated and his remains interred in a new tomb at the foot of the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John’s. The unveiling ceremony will be held on July 1, 2024, the one hundred and eighth anniversary of the Somme offensive and the advance at Beaumont-Hamel, and the centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial.

When the unknown soldier is interred, he will represent Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have served in all branches of the military.

Just last month, I had the honour and privilege of visiting the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in Northern France. It was a moving and emotional experience to walk in the same trenches as my forebears and read these words on so many of the headstones: “A Soldier of the Great War, Royal Newfoundland Regiment.”

Because these soldiers’ remains were not able to be identified, their headstones simply read, “Known unto God.”

Let us honour the service and sacrifice of these brave Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and of all Canadians who have served their country with valour and distinction by continuing to support important initiatives like this one.

Lest we forget.