In July 2026, Veterans Affairs Canada and its partners will mark the 110th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel with commemorative events in Canada and overseas.
The list below includes public events taking place to commemorate the anniversary. Please check this page regularly for more information.
Events in France
1 July 2026 – 15h00
Signature commemorative ceremony
Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial (Beaumont-Hamel, France)
Veterans Affairs Canada will hold its main commemorative ceremony at the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial to mark the 110th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel.
Note: Registration is required to attend this event. If you would like to attend, please register by 12 June 2026.
2 July 2026 – 10h00
Commemorative ceremony
Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial (Monchy-le-Preux, France)
Veterans Affairs Canada will hold a brief commemorative ceremony at the Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial.
2 July 2026 – 14h00
Wreath-laying ceremony
Masnières Newfoundland Memorial (Masnières, France)
Veterans Affairs Canada will hold a brief wreath-laying ceremony at the Masnières Newfoundland Memorial.
Events in Belgium
3 July 2026 – 20h00
Last Post ceremony
Menin Gate Memorial (Ypres, Belgium)
Veterans Affairs Canada will attend an evening ceremony hosted by the Last Post Association at the Menin Gate Memorial. The ceremony will honour the soldiers of the former-colonies and dominions of the British Empire who fought and died in the Battles of Ypres between 1914 and 1918.
More than 53,000 soldiers are commemorated by name on the Menin Gate. Of these, 6,940 are Canadians.
Events in Canada
1 July 2026 – 8h00
Commemorative ceremony
National War Memorial (Ottawa, Ontario)
The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council will hold a commemorative ceremony at the National War Memorial to mark the 110th anniversary of the Battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel.
1 July 2026 – 10h45
Memorial Day ceremony
Newfoundland National War Memorial (St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador)
Most Canadians know July 1 as Canada Day. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this date also has a more solemn meaning. It is Memorial Day, which marks the anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel.
The Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador will hold the annual Memorial Day ceremony at the Newfoundland National War Memorial. For more information, please contact the Provincial Command at (709) 753-1054.
To find more commemorative events in your area, visit our public Calendar of events.