Today I spent time at the National War Memorial in Ottawa to
watch the Memorial Services to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge. It was a moving ceremony with a small number
of people attending. On Friday Night, a
number of young students held a candlelight service and they participated on Saturday by laying a wreath in
memory of the this epic battle.
Many people, including most Canadians don’t know the story
of Vimy Ridge. The Battle of Vimy Ridge
has considerable significance for Canada as it was the first instance in which
all four Canadian divisions, made up of troops drawn from all parts of the
country, fought as a cohesive formation.
Many historians believe the Battle of Vimy Ridge symbolized Canada’s
coming of age as a nation.
The battle, which took place from 9 April to 12 April 1917
and by nightfall on the 12th, the Canadian Corps was in firm control of the
ridge. The corps suffered 10,602 casualties: 3,598 killed and 7,004 wounded.
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| Veterans from all divisions of the military came out to participate in the service. |
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This Veteran was very moving to watch. I was watching him during the playing of the Canadian National Anthem and I had tears coming to my eyes. Thinking of events he's probably seen made me appreciate what all members of the
military past and present do and have done for us. THANK YOU! |
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| General Walter Natynczyk was part of the service. |
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| Numerous wreaths were left but the first one that was laid was from the Canada. France was next. |
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| Nothing more needs to be said. |
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