Royal Newfoundland Regiment WW I gallery will hold great pride, Rick HIllier says

In less than one year, The Rooms will open The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Gallerythe largest First World Warexhibit in Canada.

This permanent gallery dedicated to remembering the tragedy of BeaumontHamel comes with a hefty price tag, but an even greater amount of pride.

Those soldiers in the pictures with their hats on, carrying their weapons and tired and dirty in places likeSuvlaandGallipoli They're not robots, they're our sons.- Rick Hillier

Huge Impact

Retired general, Rick Hillier is co-chair of fundraising and one of the main players in the commemoration campaign.

He believes that this significant milestone in Newfoundland and Labrador history touches a chord with all the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Every single family from that relatively small population at the time had somebody engaged, somebody involved, was affected directly themselves," said Hillier.

"Those soldiers in the pictures with their hats on, carrying their weapons and tired and dirty in places like Suvla and Gallipoli They're not robots, they're our sons."

Hillier added:"They're all Newfoundlanders from every family in the province I think that's why it has such an impact here we're all involved."

The Royal Newfoundland Regiment Gallery will open 100 years afterBeaumontHamel. More than 700 young Newfoundland men were injured or killed on July 1, 1916.

The gallery will feature a series of stunning exhibits with a vast collection of artifacts and stories from the First World War. It will also take a closer look at the effect BeaumontHamel had on Newfoundland and Labrador prior to confederation.

Generous people

While Hillier said they've raised over $10 million of the $15-million goal, he's hopeful through people's generosity they can achieve what they set out to do.

"Newfoundlanders have always been generous, they have a history of looking after the things they consider important," said Hillier.

"The sacrifice of Newfoundland and Labrador sons for us to give us this great province that we have now Newfoundlanders will continue to give to make sure we don't forget and we educate generations that come after us to what they did."

Bittersweet holiday

This anniversary falls every year on Canada Day. While the country celebrates, this holiday is bittersweet for most in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Hillier said he has always made it a point to share the profound story of Beaumont-Hamel with as many people he can.

"If you're a Newfoundlander you talk about Newfoundland," said Hillier. "I told everybody that was within reach from the Governor General and Prime Minister."

"The defining moment in our history and the incredible Newfoundlanders that went over the hill at BeaumontHamel and the price they paid and the fact that we're never going to forget them and we're going to remember their sacrifice for us and what an incredible life we have as a result of that."