96th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

The Battle of Vimy Ridge, painting by Richard Jack,
Canadian War Museum/Wikimedia Commons image

At 5:30 am on April 9, 1917 the Battle of Vimy Ridge began.

This World War One military engagement pitted four divisions of the Canadian Corps against three divisions of the German Sixth Army and was a defining moment for the then nascent Canadian identity, leading to an increased recognition for Canada's role on the international stage by our allies and (then) foes alike.

"By nightfall on 12 April 1917, the Canadian Corps was in firm control of the ridge. The corps suffered 10,602 casualties: 3,598 killed and 7,004 wounded. The German Sixth Army suffered an unknown number of casualties with approximately 4,000 men becoming prisoners of war.  ~ Source: Wikipedia

“Of the 421,000 Canadian troops that enlisted to participate in the Great War, 36,165 of them were Albertan," said Alberta Wildrose Official Opposition Leader Danielle Smith in a statement released earlier today.  "They were farmers and factory workers, day labourers and the sons of rich merchants, storekeepers and school teachers, college students and university professors, pastors and lawyers, cowboys and medical doctors."

“But they united for the cause of freedom and peace and together secured not only key victory over the Germans but a unique place in the annals of our national history. Today, we honour their victory and more importantly those who paid the ultimate price in achieving it.”

Wildrose MLA Joe Anglin, himself a veteran, added “Victory at Vimy Ridge was the single most defining moment in our military history and one of our nation’s lasting symbols of sacrifice and success. Today, I join all Albertans, Canadians and veterans in honouring the combatants on that important day for their bravery in defending the values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.”

Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie Steven Blaney, , said "One of Canada's most impressive tributes now stands on the battlefield of Vimy Ridge. The majestic Canadian National Vimy Memorial stands as a reminder of the heroic battle and as a tribute to the brave men and women who served their country during the First World War.  They defended with honour the values upon which our country was founded: freedom, democracy and the rule of law."

"Ninety-six years after that fateful day, we remember our proud history and those who fought in this historical battle which marked the birth of our proud and modern Canada."

Related links:
Veterans Affairs Canada
Wikipedia - Battle of Vimy Ridge