Marking 97 years since the start of Vimy Ridge
Posted Apr 9, 2014 08:00:47 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Today marks the 97th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
This was a defining moment in Canadian history, yet a poll commissioned by the Vimy Foundation shows how little most people know about this great victory.
Campaign Director, Jeremy Diamond tells 570 News what the Vimy Foundation is doing to keep history alive.
“This seems like two, three, five hundred years ago to people because there’s no living link still there. So how do we made this relevant today? How do we bring it alive today? Sending kids walking through the footsteps of history, the fields of Vimy and going to see the battlefields and the cemeteries and making it real for them.”
According to a poll, 1 in 5 did not know that Vimy was one of Canada’s greatest battles.
“These young men, very, very young men, in many cases were the same age as those that are in high school that can’t answer these questions. We need to make sure that their memories, even though they are gone, remain.”
The aim of the foundation is to bring more light to this great moment in Canadian history.
More than 3,000 Canadians were killed and wounded at the Battle of Vimy Ridge which raged from April 9th to the 12th in 1917.
A wreath-laying ceremony will be held tonight at the Kitchener Armoury located beside the Kitchener Auditorium. It starts at 7pm.
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada released the following statement:
“The anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place April 9 to 12, 1917, is an opportunity for all of us to once again fulfill our duty of remembrance with regard to the thousands of Canadians who were injured or made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and equality.
Ninety-seven years ago, four Canadian divisions fought a fierce battle, under constantly changing conditions, to gain a decisive victory over a battle-hardened and determined enemy. The patriotism, courage and heroic actions of those Canadians will remain forever etched in our hearts.
Canada owes an eternal debt to all of its soldiers, who proved themselves during this battle, allowing our country to forge a national identity. As we mark Vimy Ridge Day, it is incumbent on all Canadians to ensure their memory is never forgotten.”
Listen below for a full Interview with Michael Bechthold, Communications Director at the Laurier Centre for Military Strategic and Disarmament Studies on the importance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
