It is never too late to remember.
Last Wednesday, April 9, members and staff of the Legislative Assembly paused for a moment of silence to remember those who sacrificed in Vimy Ridge. My Conservative Party of B.C. colleagues and I also gathered at the cenotaph situated on the front lawn of the Legislature. I’m proud to say that several of my fellow caucus members have military backgrounds.
April 9, 1917 was the day the Battle of Vimy Ridge began, and the Vimy Foundation calls it the “bloodiest day in Canadian military history.” The Canadian Corps captured the bulk of the German-occupied territory within their first day of attack, and by April 12, 1917 they were victorious.
Of the 100,000 Canadians who served in Vimy Ridge, 7,000 were injured and 3,598 paid the ultimate price.
The Vimy Ridge National Historic Site of Canada is located in northern France, where the landscape is still scarred by traces of the wartime trenches and tunnels. The site is also marked by the stunning Canadian National Vimy Memorial. The monument is a tribute to all Canadians who served during the First World War, particularly the 11,285 soldiers killed in France with no known grave. The names and ranks of those 11,285 missing soldiers are carved into the limestone monument.
Vimy Ridge is, and hopefully always will be, such a powerful evocation of when Canada proved itself as a major nation. There had been two previous unsuccessful Allied attempts to seize Vimy Ridge, but it was the united Canadian divisions that were able to deliver the victory. It was the first time the Canadian divisions had fought together, too.
We owe the freedoms we have today to the brave men and women who fought for Canada. That’s why it’s truly so important that we show our support to our local Legions year-round.
If you’ve never been inside a Legion, I can guarantee you will be more than welcome! The amazing volunteers host events like pancake breakfasts, karaoke, live music, bingo, and dart tournaments.
The fact is, the Legion carries on the commemorative work in Canada to ensure that we all remember our nation’s history.
I would encourage everyone to visit one of the local Legions and take the opportunity to thank our veterans and honour the incredible people to whom we owe so much.
Lest we forget.
