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

Montreal – The RBC Art and Heritage Centre of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) and the Juno Beach Centre are pleased to announce that the exhibition From Vimy to Juno, which highlights Canada’s role in the First and Second World War, has made a stop at the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) as it travels from coast to coast. Original artefacts from both World Wars, including the uniforms and tools used by doctors and nurses, are displayed alongside the exhibit.

"The RBC Art and Heritage Centre of the MUHC was delighted to answer the call to host the Montreal stop of the national travelling exhibition From Vimy To Juno. It has inspired us to put together an exhibit of our own to highlight our hospitals' legacy of providing medical services in both world wars," said Dr. Jonathan Meakins, director and chair of the RBC Art and Heritage Centre of the MUHC. "Even today, our doctors, nurses and other healthcare professions serve in the military and act as advisors in areas facing conflict and natural disaster. Their dedication is remarkable in the face of personal danger."

Major Andrew Beckett, the only full-time Canadian Army Surgeon stationed in Quebec treating civilians at the MGH’s Trauma Centre in-between deployments, believes that it is important to remember the bravery and sacrifices of our soldiers. “A lot of what we do for patients today is based on what was learned caring for wounded soldiers,” added Dr. Beckett, who was also the main speaker of the exhibition’s vernissage.

The exhibition’s special features include an original copy of ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Dr. John McCrae, Dr. Scrimgers’ Victoria Cross medal of honour, and other exclusive installments that bring to life the wartime experiences of doctors and nurses from MUHC founding hospitals.

“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 Montreal, a city rich in military history.”

From Vimy to Juno will be on display at the Montreal General Hospital from November 21 until December 4.

About the RBC Art and Heritage Centre of the MUHC: The RBC Art and Heritage Centre recognizes the significant social, artistic, medical and nursing histories of the MUHC hospitals since 1821 in the development of Montreal, and seeks to preserve and highlight existing artefacts and other visual objects from this rich heritage in dedicated exhibition spaces as an integral part of the leading edge healing environment designed for patients, their families and staff at the MUHC.

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 800,000 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

About the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC): One of the world’s foremost academic health centres, the MUHC offers exceptional and integrated patient-centric care, research, teaching and technology assessment. Affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University, the MUHC has a mandate to focus on complex care and is highly committed to working with partner organizations within the healthcare network, to ensure to the continuum of care in its community. The partner hospitals of the MUHC – The Montreal Children's Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital, the Montreal Chest Institute and the Lachine Hospital of the MUHC – value multidisciplinary service throughout the lifespan, innovative technologies and practices, strategic partnerships and leadership in knowledge transfer. The MUHC is undergoing a Redevelopment Project at The Neuro, Lachine Hospital, and the Montreal General Hospital, which is designed to provide healthcare professionals with an effective environment in which to ensure patients and their families benefit from The Best Care for Life. Our establishments are also anchored in best sustainable-development practices, including LEED® Gold and BOMA BESt guidelines. 

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