I have a helmet from this battle. My grandfather was there in the front line.
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
Shameless Bump.
Posted by Chuck Churchill (Member # 68) on :
Our American friends don't have the slightest ideas what you are refering to here. A short history lesson is in order for them.
Vimy Ridge is a place in France that the Allies could not take back. There had been two or three attemps and all failed. The commanders had come to believe the ridge could not be taken. On Easter Sunday, April 9th, 1917 the Canadians were sent to try. We lost 3,500 men in one day but reclaimed the ground. It was a devesting loss for a young nation (less than 50 years since Confederation). It is a widely held belief amoung Canadian historians that this battle was the day that Canada really became a nation.
Today a memorial at Viny Ridge to the sacrifice of the Canadians was rededicated by the Queen of England. Among others we sent 3,500 teenagers to the ceremony, each with the name and history of one of the fallen. The idea being that Canadians will never forget the sacrifice these soldiers gave in the Great War.
Posted by Jeff Ogden (Member # 3184) on :
Thank you Chuck for the information. It is especially informative for me to hear that 3500 teenagers stood in for the lost ones, for they were probably teens too.
Posted by Duncan Wilkie (Member # 132) on :
Thanks for the posts guys. That was definitely a battle of historic significance and a defining moment in our history. I'm shocked and saddened that we lost another 6 young soldiers again this weekend. Such a nobel calling, but such an awful waste. God Bless our troops and all those serving in the persuit of freedom.
[ April 10, 2007, 12:15 AM: Message edited by: Duncan Wilkie ]
Posted by Ron Gibbs (Member # 3882) on :
A great Honor to remember those fallen Heros and not forget they lost thier lives so we could be Free .90 years ago,two great wars and Canadians have been there in many conflicts since .Lost my uncle in the 2nd World war at Monte'Casino Italy fighting for our Freedom .The battle at Vimmy Ridge personified what Canadians are all about.Loosing 6 soldiers yeasterday in Afganastan touched home once more .At the same time my American brothers and sisters have lost love ones daily in Iraq and I hope and pray those still there stay safe come home soon.
Ron.
Posted by Catharine C. Kennedy (Member # 4459) on :
Heartfelt thanks for this post- and its reasons.
Posted by Neil D. Butler (Member # 661) on :
How Ironic, and on the same day we are remembering this we lost 6 young souls in Afghanistan in a roadside bomb, all from Atlantic Canada. We should never ever forget.
Thanks Stephen.
Posted by Bobbie Rochow (Member # 3341) on :
Thank you for the post Stephen. Yes, I think we all know how it feels, don't we? And we all appreciate our freedom. I am so sad to hear of your loss in Afghanistan.
I am proud to call you Canadians our neighbors & friends!
Posted by Randy Campbell (Member # 2675) on :
Thank you for this post Stephan.
Posted by Stephen Deveau (Member # 1305) on :
I like to thank you all for your comments. It was something as a picture that I had to do. Knowing the blood that fell from hell that day!
Chuck You sir I will tip my hat off for the history lesson. As I was to involved in putting the image together to think about the story behind it.
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
A hat's off for your day...we have ours...all should signify the true reality of war...my prayer is that someday, humans can coexist w/o butchering each other over beliefs and the pursuit of wealth and power......
Posted by Chuck Churchill (Member # 68) on :
I forgot to mention in my history lesson that the French were extremely grateful to Canada for conquring Vimy Ridge. In 1922 they gave the battlefield to Canada. It remains Canadian soil. Not only does it have this beautiful memorial it also contains a Canadian controled military cemetary with almost all of the Canadians that gave their lives that day.
