Official Statement from The Vimy Foundation about the proposed construction of housing on a Canadian memorial at Guildford Cathedral in the United Kingdom

Official Statement from The Vimy Foundation about the proposed construction of housing on a Canadian memorial  at Guildford Cathedral in the United Kingdom

The Vimy Foundation has learned through the press of a 124-unit apartment project by the developer Vivid on land owned by Guildford Cathedral.

This undeveloped wooded area was created on the initiative of R.B. Bennett, Prime Minister of Canada from 1930 to 1935, who lived near Guildford, to provide a place for reflection and remembrance of Canada's contribution during the conflicts that shook the first half of the 20th century.

Dramatic circumstances in which R.B. Bennett distinguished himself, he was honored as 1st Viscount Bennett, of Mickleham in the County of Surrey and of Calgary and Hopewell in the Dominion of Canada for his important contribution to the World War II air campaign to protect Britain.

While understanding the needs of the Guildford community, The Vimy Foundation wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the preservation of memorial sites honouring Canada's fallen soldiers.

The past informs the future, that's why it is necessary to protect these places that allow us not to forget:
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• 650,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders fought in Europe during the First World War, 66,000 of whom lost their lives and over 172,000 were wounded.

• 45,000 Canadians lost their lives and 55,000 were wounded during the Second World War, with over 1 million Canadians serving.
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In recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of these men and women, their memory must continue to be honoured.

The Vimy Foundation calls on decision-makers, Guildford Cathedral, Guildford Borough Council and developers, to preserve the commemorative and memorial dimension of this site and will support initiatives in this direction.

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For press statements or to learn more contact:

Etienne Juin, Communications Coordinator, ejuin@vimyfoundation.ca

Executive Director Caitlin Bailey is available for interview upon request.

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Photo credit: Guildford Cathedral - A telephoto view of Guildford Cathedral from TheMount - © Copyright Ian Capper and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.