Government of Canada marks the Battle of Vimy Ridge
Annual ceremony of remembrance held at Canadian National Vimy Memorial
GIVENCHY-EN-GOHELLE, France, April 9, 2018 /CNW/ - The Battle of Vimy Ridge was one of the greatest Canadian victories during the First World War, but it came with tremendous sacrifice. The 100,000 Canadians who served there suffered more than 10,600 casualties, nearly 3,600 of which were fatal.
Today, on Vimy Ridge Day, the Government of Canada held an official commemorative ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Givenchy-en-Gohelle, France, to pay tribute to the bravery and courage of those who took part in the historical battle.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, John Desrosiers, Director, European Operations, will join M. Jean-François Raffy, sous-préfet of Lens and representative of the French Republic; members of the Canadian Armed Forces based in Europe; Veterans; military representatives from other countries; and Canadian and French citizens for a ceremony of remembrance honouring the service and sacrifices made by Canadians in 1917 over a hundred years ago.
Quotes
"The Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France beautifully represents the contributions and sacrifices of Canadians during the First World War. In 2018, we continue to proudly recognize those who bravely served and sacrificed for their country, as we mark significant military accomplishments of generations of Canadians. We are forever grateful to them."
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
"Today, we remember and thank the thousands of Canadian soldiers who courageously fought on Vimy Ridge in defense of peace and freedom. More than a century later, Canada and France continue to share this strong relationship, as majestically depicted in the monument's two soaring pylons which stand as twin sentries watching over a better world."
Isabelle Hudon, Ambassador of Canada to France
Quick Facts
- On April 9, 1917, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought side-by-side for the first time and demonstrated great bravery in capturing the heavily defended position to win an impressive victory.
- Built at the highest point of Vimy Ridge, the memorial marks the site of a significant and historic event and stands as a tribute to all Canadians who served during the First World War.
- Carved on the walls of the base of the monument are the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers who were killed in France and whose final resting places were then unknown.
- This year, the Government of Canada will mark the 65th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, Canada's Hundred Days that led to the First World War Armistice, the 10th anniversary of National Peacekeepers' Day and the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Associated Links
- Canadian National Vimy Memorial
- Google Street View of Canadian National Vimy Memorial
- Canadian student guides in France
SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
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