"Vimy - Honour the Legacy"

Painting by William Longstaff, Ghosts of Vimy: Photo from parl.gc.ca

Canada Honours Vimy
On any other day the sun would be just ready to break the horizon, but on this day the sun was nowhere in sight. It was cold; and the rain, snow and copious amounts of mud left the situation at hand far less than desirable. It was April 9, 1917. At 5:30am the artillery assault began and Canada stormed the battlefields of Vimy. For the first time in our nation’s short history we came together and fought as one – soldiers from coast to coast fighting for our freedom. In the words of Brigadier-General Alexander Ross, commander of the 28th (North West) Canadian Battalion at Vimy, "It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade. I thought then that in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation."

The Canadian attack surprised the Germans, and the troops were able to engage in a creeping barrage, creating a shield for advancing foot soldiers. Because of this, in less than just two hours, three of the four Canadian divisions had taken their objectives. The remaining objective being the highest point on the ridge, known as Hill 145. The Allies persevered and success was finally theirs. Within four days, Canada and her allies had successfully taken Vimy Ridge.

The success is claimed to be the first great allied success of the First World War, and would help Canada claim a spot on the Versaille Peace Treaty.

Canada may have officially became a country in 1867, but I agree with many historians in saying that the Battle of Vimy Ridge was the birth of our nation – it was on those battlefields that we found our identity.


My visit to Vimy
Six years ago I had the opportunity to visit the Canadian National Vimy Monument in France. At the age of 16, I was completely unaware of what this monument represented. But, I didn’t need to know all the facts, figures and stories to understand the emotion behind this monument.

The white stone pillars reach far into the sky, Mother Canada weeps for her fallen sons and the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers who were posted as "missing, presumed dead" in France wind their way around the base of the monument. It is hard not to be touched by the scene. As I stood on the field of Vimy that day, hearing the stories and seeing a piece of our history for myself I was filled with an enormous pride.

I am proud of our success at Vimy. I am proud of our country’s history. I am just proud to be Canadian.

My experience at Vimy changed me. I know the importance of remembrance now.


Family Connection
“They were fathers, sons, brothers and uncles who answered the call of duty. They were soldiers cut down in their prime, before they could realize their own dreams.” – The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veteran Affairs

Two of my great-grandfathers saw service at Vimy during the First World War. One, Frederick Johnston was involved in supporting troops – he worked to cut trees, clear paths and build bridges so Canada’s soldiers could complete their missions. And my grandfather’s father, Thomas Prince, cleared the battlefields of Vimy and Europe of the mangled bodies of soldiers – he was a stretcher bearer. Neither were glorious jobs, nor would they have received a lot of praise or thanks for what they did. Nonetheless I am extremely proud of them both, and my entire family’s military background. My great-grandfathers may not have been on the front lines on April 9, 1917, but they certainly contributed to the Canadian success at Vimy, and I will remember them on April 9, and everyday.


Vimy upset in the news
In recent news from the home front I have read about the opposition being miffed about their late invitations to the event. I can understand their wanting to be present at the Canadian National Vimy Monument for the official ceremony on April 9. However, it angers me that anyone would use such an event – an event to honour the 3,600 Canadian soldiers who died, the 150,000 French and British soldiers who died in previous attempts to win back Vimy and the 11,285 Canadian soldiers who died in France and whose remains were never found – to gain political support. This weekend is a time where Canadians should put their differences aside and remember the sacrifices that our forefathers made 90 years ago for our freedom. Besides, it has been known for quite some time that Canada plans to mark the anniversary with the special event in France. This event should not be about politics – it should be about a nation honouring her fallen soldiers. Don’t complain that you have made other plans and cannot attend now because of the late notice. It’s not fair to the soldiers that died on that hill, or the families that mourn them, for you to use them to cause a political stir.


On April 9, Remember
This year Easter Monday means more than just a day off – more than Easter candies and the traditional Easter dinner. April 9 is a time to honour and remember an important moment in Canadian history. They fought for our country – for our freedom. It is now our responsibility to honour their legacy. Wherever you may find yourself on Monday, April 9, take a moment to remember the young men who sacrificed everything for their country. Lest we forget.