This is a day to commemorate the deaths and casualties of members of the Canadian Corps during the First World War Battle of Vimy Ridge.
This is Vimy Ridge Day, with ceremonies being held across Canada.
This is the 105th Anniversary.
James Ditchfield of the Royal Canadian Legion in Dryden says this is an important day as Canada stepped away from the shadow of Britain and became a major player on the world stage.
Ditchfield says it brought all four Canadian divisions and over 100,000 men together for the first time.
He notes although the event was meant as a diversionary attack for a major French thrust, it resulted in the first major victory for the allied powers in the war.
However, over 3,600 soldier’s died and more than 7,000 were wounded, the greatest single loss in battle the Canadians suffered in war.
Ditchfield says the event in 1917 was one of the most pivotal moments of the First World War and a defining moment in Canadian military history.
Vimy Ridge Day is a non-statutory observance that has been held annually on April 9 since 2003.
To hear more from James Ditchfield, click on the audio link below:
