A Remembrance Day Reflection – Submitted by Deana Wilson
As Remembrance Day approaches, it’s important to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served Canada in many conflicts. This past summer, my family and I visited the Vimy Ridge Memorial, and the experience profoundly changed how I view this day of remembrance.
After parking our car, we began the walk up to the memorial. I was immediately struck by the solemn beauty of the monument, gleaming white against a moody sky. The atmosphere was peaceful, and to our surprise, we were the only visitors at that moment, despite it being peak tourist season. Given the site's fame, it is usually filled with people. As we approached, I looked up at the intricate details of the figures carved into the limestone, feeling the deep emotion embedded in the artwork. The portrayal of sacrifice was palpable.
Walking around to the rear of the monument, I noticed the still-visible craters below. To my left stood the poignant statue known as Canada Bereft, gazing eastward with her eyes cast down. This statue symbolizes a young nation mourning her dead. Below her rests a tomb draped in laurel branches, adorned with a helmet representing all the soldiers whose final resting places remain unknown.
Taking the time to read some of the names carved into the monument and reflecting on the emotions these young men and women must have felt while walking the same ground was incredibly touching. Seeing the 11,285 names reminded me that each one had a family—a mother, father, or siblings—who would never see them again. The thought of how scared they must have been, so far from home, left me deeply grateful for their bravery and willingness to defend our country.
World War I, especially Canada’s role and the significant battle at Vimy Ridge, was a turning point in our history. When the war began in 1914, Canada, as part of the British Empire, automatically joined the fight when Britain declared war on Germany. Over the course of the war, Canada sent more than 600,000 soldiers to serve—about 8% of the population at that time. This experience had a profound impact on Canada, leading to great loss and forging a sense of national identity distinct from Britain.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge, fought from April 9 to 12, 1917, is often seen as a key moment for Canada. Located in northern France, Vimy Ridge was a heavily fortified position held by German forces. Previous attempts by Allied forces to capture it had failed, resulting in heavy casualties. However, the Canadian Corps, which included all four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, approached the battle with careful planning and teamwork.
One of the standout features of the Canadian strategy at Vimy was its emphasis on preparation. Canadian forces conducted detailed reconnaissance and rehearsed their attacks, using tunnels to surprise the enemy. This careful planning led to a well-coordinated assault that resulted in the capture of the ridge on the first day of battle. By the end, Canadian troops had secured Vimy Ridge, achieving a significant victory at a cost of over 10,000 casualties, including nearly 3,600 soldiers who lost their lives.
The success at Vimy Ridge had lasting effects for Canada, bringing a sense of unity and pride among Canadians, who fought together as one force. Many historians believe this battle helped Canada develop a national identity, allowing it to step out from Britain’s shadow and establish its place in the world. The victory also highlighted the bravery of Canadian soldiers, resonating deeply with people back home.
In recognition of this sacrifice, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial was built at the site. Unveiled in 1936, the monument honors the Canadians who fought and died there, serving as a powerful symbol of national pride. The striking white limestone structure, set against a clear blue sky, reflects both the somber history and the strength of the Canadian spirit. The memorial includes statues like Canada Bereft and a tomb for the unknown soldier, symbolizing the loss felt across the country.
As we gather to commemorate Remembrance Day in our community, let us remember the sacrifices made at Vimy Ridge and throughout World War I and subsequent wars. The bravery of the Canadian soldiers who fought there has left a lasting mark on our national identity, reminding us of the cost of freedom and the importance of remembering those who served.
We can honor these sacrifices by sharing their stories and ensuring that future generations understand the significance of this important moment in our history.
This Remembrance Day, let us commit to honoring their legacy, ensuring that their courage is never forgotten, and that the lessons learned from our history continue to inspire us as we strive for peace and unity.