National Travelling Exhibition Opens at The RCA Museum

From Vimy to Juno Commemorates Canada’s Role in First and Second World Wars

A special commemorative exhibition entitled From Vimy to Juno: Canada in France 1914-45 opens on Saturday at The RCA Museum just in time for Brandon Doors Open. This national travelling exhibition explores the connections between defining moments in Canadian history and the experiences of Canadians who fought in both world wars. From Vimy to Juno was developed by the Juno Beach Centre, Canada’s only museum on the D-Day Landing beaches in Normandy, France.

“We’re delighted to host this exhibition,” says Kathleen Christensen, Senior Curator. “It provides a great opportunity for our visitors to learn about Canada’s role in the First and Second World Wars and understand the local connections to these defining moments in our history.”

“In two world wars, hundreds of thousands of Canadians fought in France, where their achievements helped shape our national identity,” said Jenna Zuschlag Misener, Executive Director of the Juno Beach Centre. “The Juno Beach Centre is proud to bring this legacy from the sacred ground of Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach to all Canadians coast to coast through this special program, especially in CFB Shilo whose own history connects the two wars.”

This initiative was launched to commemorate a number of important Canadian anniversaries and milestones, including the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2017 and the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Normandy Landings in 2019. From Vimy to Juno will be on display at The RCA Museum from 12 July to 25 August.

This exhibit enhances the RCA Museum’s current temporary exhibit, In the Footsteps of Vimy as well as a photographic display called Fathers and Sons Marching to War.  These original Regimental photographs were taken at training camps throughout Canada during the two wars and are from the museum’s archives.  Fathers and Sons will be on display for the duration of the Vimy to Juno exhibit.  In the Footsteps of Vimy will be on display until24 November.

ABOUT THE RCA MUSEUM, CFB SHILO: The RCA Museum was established in 1962 at Canadian Forces Base Shilo, Manitoba in order to preserve and interpret this proud heritage for future generations. With 5 galleries in 24,000 square ft, it is one of the largest military museums in Canada and tells the story of the more than 200,000 Canadian Gunners who have served Canada in war and peace since 1855. Its collection and archives includes over 65,000 artifacts and archival records, including more than 150 artillery pieces and vehicles. www.themilitarymuseums.ca

ABOUT THE JUNO BEACH CENTRE: The Juno Beach Centre was established in 2003 by veterans with a vision to create a permanent memorial to all Canadians who served Canada during the Second World War, and to preserve this legacy for future generations through education. The Centre in Normandy pays homage to the nearly 45,000 Canadians who died during the War, of which 5,500 during the Battle of Normandy and 359 on D-Day. A decade and over 750,000 visitors later, the Centre has been designated a site of national historic significance to Canada. The Association in Canada is a charitable organization which owns and operates the Centre. www.junobeach.org