Government of Canada pays tribute to those who served in the First World War

Annual ceremony of remembrance held at Canadian National Vimy Memorial

GIVENCHY-EN-GOHELLE, France, Nov. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - The Battle of Vimy Ridge proved to be a great triumph, but it came at a heavy cost. It was 100 years ago that the 100,000 Canadians who served there suffered more than 10,600 casualties, nearly 3,600 of which were fatal. In April of this year, Canadians and allies alike, took time to remember this never forgotten story of perseverance, heroism and strength. The Government of Canada remembers and honours the legacy of generations of Canadians who have served our country.

Today, the Government of Canada held an official ceremony of remembrance at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in Givenchy-en-Gohelle, France.

Mr. Vincent Klassen, chargé d'affaires, Embassy of Canada in France, joined Marc Del Grande, Secretary General of the Prefecture of Pas-de-Calais and representative of the French Republic; members of the Canadian Armed Forces based in Europe; Veterans; military representatives from other countries; and Canadian and French citizens for a ceremony of remembrance at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.

We encourage all French citizens and Canadians to remember. This Veterans' Week, express your gratitude and appreciation for Canada's Veterans, those who gave their lives in service, and members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, who come from diverse ethnic, linguistic, cultural and regional backgrounds. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtags #CanadaRemembers and #Passchendaele100 or visit canada.ca/canada-remembers.

Quotes

"Following Canada's historic victory at Vimy Ridge in the spring of 1917, the impressive triumph at Passchendaele that autumn added to Canada's growing reputation as having one of the best offensive fighting forces on the Western Front during the First World War. This Veterans' Week, let's show that Canada remembers these brave Canadians in uniform, the fallen, and those who have continued to serve our country over the years since then. We are forever grateful for their strength and selfless determination to uphold our values and freedom."
The Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

"The inspiring Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France beautifully represents the contributions and sacrifices of Canadians during the First World War. The symbolic figures found on the monument's base and towering pylons tell an important story of sacrifice, sorrow and hope. Representing values like faith, justice, peace, honour, charity, truth, knowledge and hope, together these evocative figures embody the universal virtues that define Canada today. The majestic Canadian National Vimy Memorial stands as a tribute to all who served their country in battle in that four-year struggle and particularly to those who gave their lives. Lest we forget."
Mr. Vincent Klassen, chargé d'affaires, Embassy of Canada in France

Quick Facts

• 2017 is a special year of commemoration for Canada, including Canada 150, the 100^th anniversaries of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Battle of Passchendaele, and the 75^th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.
• On April 9, 1917, during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought side-by-side for the first time and demonstrated great bravery in capturing the heavily defended position to win an impressive victory.
• Built at the highest point of Vimy Ridge, the memorial marks the site of a significant and historic event and stands as a tribute to all Canadians who served during the First World War. Carved on the walls of the monument are the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers who were killed in France and whose final resting places were then unknown.
• 2017 marks the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele. In a muddy corner of Belgium, Canadians overcame almost unimaginable hardships to capture this ruined village in 1917.

Associated Links

• Canadian National Vimy Memorial
• Canada Remembers – Official Veterans' Week webpage
• Google Streetview of Canadian National Vimy Memorial
• Canadian student guides will hold a Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial

SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Media inquiries: Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, [email protected]; European Operations, Veterans Affairs Canada, [phone]

Related Links

www.veterans.gc.ca