Prime Minister Stephen Harper attends Freedom of the City ceremony in Arras, France

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his family today attended a Freedom of the City parade and ceremony in Arras, France.  The Freedom of the City event is one in a series of events over Easter weekend marking the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

“The Freedom of the City ceremony is steeped in the noblest military traditions.  Today, we celebrate the trust and friendship between two nations and our citizens.,” said the Prime Minister.  “Of all the ties that bind Canada and France, few are stronger than those forged right here, nine decades ago, during the Battles of Arras and Vimy Ridge.”

The ceremony included an emotional tribute to Canadian servicemen with a parade led by the Canadian Forces. With drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed, the Canadian unit marched through the community up to City Hall. The Mayor of Arras, Monsieur Jean-Marie Vanlerenberghe then presented the Canadians with the Freedom of the City scroll, in honour of the heroic service of the Canadian Corps during the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the liberation of Arras.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge began on April 9, 1917. It was there that the Canadians captured Vimy Ridge. This success came at a cost of more than 10,000 casualties, of which 3,598 were fatal.

For more information on Vimy events, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call toll-free 1-800-443-0394.