The World War I Battle of Vimy Ridge has significant meaning in the formation of the Canadian identity and came to symbolize Canada’s coming of age as a nation. It was the first occasion on which all four divisions of the Canadian Corps attacked as a composite formation. The Canadian success in capturing Vimy Ridge owed its victory to a variety of mechanical and strategic improvements, preparation, and planning. The assault on Vimy Ridge, the northern part of the wider battle of Arras, France began at 5:30 am on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917.
Every year the battle is commemorated on or around April 9th at various military museums, bases and units. In 1922, use of the land, was given for all time by France to the people of Canada for the park which encompasses the Canadian National Vimy Memorial that stands on Hill 145, overlooking the Canadian battlefield of 1917.
It’s difficult for me not to be reminded of certain events in military history, my father served, my husband served and I have many relatives and friends that have either served in the military or are still in. I found this lovely video tribute to Vimy on the National Film Board of Canada website. Even though it’s nowhere near Remembrance Day or Memorial Day or Anzac Day or whatever you call the day honouring your war veterans where you are take a couple of minutes to click the link, hit the “play| button, watch and give thanks.
Thanks for including A Writer of History on your post. I too was an expat … my journey took me to Hong Kong and started me on writing historical fiction 🙂
De nada!
That was fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome. :3
Thanks for including me in your Vimy tribute. Our visit to the Canadian Memorial at Vimy was a very special day.
You had some wonderful photos, thank you for sharing them.
My pleasure