The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize a deeply meaningful act of remembrance and to express the sincere appreciation of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to the City of Canterbury in the United Kingdom and to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Regimental Advisory Council.

On May 24, 2026, the City of Canterbury reopened historic Dane John Park following an extensive restoration project. With the support and encouragement of Ian Kelly and other members of the Regimental Advisory Council, a new commemorative display entitled “Newfoundlanders in the Gardens” was unveiled as part of the reopening to honour the service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 59th Newfoundland Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery, during the Second World War.

This permanent tribute recognizes the important role Newfoundlanders played in the defence of Great Britain during one of history’s darkest chapters. In 1940 and 1941, as Britain stood under threat of invasion, Newfoundlanders crossed the Atlantic to defend freedom and democracy.

At Dane John Gardens, members of the Regiment installed and manned massive coastal defence guns to protect Canterbury and the surrounding region. Their courage, commitment, and readiness formed part of Britain’s defence in its hour of greatest need.

Speaker, Mr. Kelly has joined us today in the gallery, and we thank him and the Advisory Council for their work. We will always remember those who served and sacrificed so future generations can live in peace and freedom. This display ensures their legacy and the enduring bond between Newfoundland and Labrador and Canterbury will be remembered for generations to come.

Thank you, Speaker.