Battle of Vimy Ridge to be remembered

Above: A stained glass window commemorates the Battle of Vimy Ridge Apr. 9-12, 1917. The battle was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together.

– Lucie Roy Photo

by Morinville News Staff

Legion branches across the country will fly their Canadian flags at half-mast Apr. 9 from sunrise to sunset to commemorate Vimy Ridge Day. It was during this famous battle, fought Apr. 9 to 12, 1917, that Canadians captured Vimy Ridge when other allied forces could not.

“Ensuring the continuation of the tradition of honouring and remembering our military heritage is very important to the Legion and its 300,000 members,” said Tom Eagles, Dominion President of the Royal Canadian Legion in a release. “The Battle of Vimy Ridge, a battle that commenced on Easter Monday in 1917, is a day that many consider as historically important as the signing of the first document that created Canada in 1867 (BNA ACT).”

The capture of Vimy Ridge marked the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together. The battle played an important role in giving Canada the right to participate as a signatory of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

For the past 12 years, Vimy Ridge Day has been commemorated on Apr. 9. The day was created by an Act of Parliament in 2003. Vimy Ridge is the only battle recognized by an Act of Parliament.

The Canadian flag on the Peace Tower will also be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset Apr. 9 in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the battle.