One of the greatest battles in Canadian history was the battle at Vimy Ridge in France, which began on 9 April 1917. Canadian bravery and valour led to the tremendous victory for the entire Allied Force and was considered the turning point of WWI. For more details, see the "History by the Minute" website. A huge monument was built by the Canadian Government at the top of Vimy Ridge to commemorate this battle, which was opened by the then Prince of Wales in 1936.
Neil and I had journeyed to Vimy Ridge on April 9, 2007 for the 90th Anniversary celebrations, with our long time friends, Kerry and Roger (retired Canadian miliary). The Canadian Government spent several years restoring the momument, which had been decaying, and on this day, there was a huge re-dedication ceremony of the newly restored monument. We attended the re-dedication ceremony as part of our two week "WWI and WWII Battlefields Tour" lead by Canadian military historian, Ted Barris, author of "Victory at Vimy". Here is Ted addressing our group on April 9, 2007 at the Vimy Ridge memorial.
Ted Barris
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Mrs. Harper, Queen Elizabeth II and the President of France were special guests at the moving re-dedication ceremony at which the restored Vimy Ridge monument was unveiled.
Mrs. Harper & Prime Minister Harper (Govt Canada photo)
Arrival of Queen Elizabeth II - I got this close to her.
French jets flying over the monument in a special salute (Govt Canada photo)
Queen Elizabeth II re-dedicating the monument (Govt Canada photo)
There were approximately 5,000 Canadian high school students in attendance at the re-dedication ceremony for the Vimy Ridge Memorial from all across Canada, each representing one of the soldiers who fought at Vimy Ridge. That soldier's name is on their shirt.
Canadian High School Students (Govt Canada photo)
Huge Crowd at the Re-Dedication Ceremony
Very impressive monument
Govt Canada photo
There were over 25,000 people in attendance - it was a very moving day.
Super photos and great commentary! What a thrill to be there. I've been very interested in that memorial since I read Jane Urquhart's "The Stone Carvers". An excellent novel about the creation and building of the monument.
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