By Glory Przekop with files from The Canadian Press

National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Apr 9, 2018 | 6:40 AM

Flags will be at half-mast at city facilities from sunrise to sunset to mark the National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Josephine Sallis, Archivist with the South Peace Regional Archives says a number of local people served in World War One including “John Gibson Anderson, David Barr who passed away at Vimy Ridge or at least on his death certificate states that he died between the 9th and 12th of April, Harry Black, Alexander Brotherston, Edward Joseph Heller, Arne Jensen.”

She says it is important to remember those who fought because we would not be here if not for them.

“These people put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom and we wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for them I do believe that. At the same time historically a number of people will say that Vimy Ridge was how we became Canadians.”

In 1917, four Canadian divisions began an assault on Vimy Ridge in northeast France. British and French troops had been unsuccessful in earlier attempts to capture the ridge, a key German defensive position. By April 14, the Canadians had won the battle, earning them recognition as an elite force among the Allies and Germans. Almost 3,600 Canadians were killed in the fighting.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

(with files from The Canadian Press)