News Release

National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

Ottawa – This year, for the first time, April 9th is a National Day of Remembrance marking the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The Battle of Vimy Ridge took place in 1917 and was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps went into battle together. A wreath laying ceremony marked the day at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France today.

At Vimy Ridge, the Canadians did what other allied forces could not, they took Vimy Ridge. The Canadian success earned Canada a separate signature on the Versailles Peace treaty.

"This anniversary has always had great significance, but it is only with the recent passage of Bill C-227, introduced by my colleague, Brent St. Denis, M.P. for Algoma-Manitoulin, that April 9th has become a National Day of Remembrance," said the Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "Our challenge is to keep alive the memory of what happened on that ridge 86 years ago, and the memory of those who were there, risking their lives and making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation."

The Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge carried a heavy cost. Canada suffered more than 10,000 casualties, of which 3,598 were fatal.

For more information about the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the First World War, visit http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cfm?source=Memorials/ww1mem/vimy

Photos from Ceremony in France

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