It was a time of honour and remembrance Tuesday evening (April 9) as Hope Army Cadets Corps held a service for the 102nd anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Dressed in their uniform best, the cadets, along with a few members of the Royal Canadian Branch 228 (Hope Legion), marched from the Legion Hall to the cenotaph for the 7:30 p.m. service.
“Vimy became a symbol for the sacrifice of the young dominion (Canada),” said Hans Mulder, who led the service. “The historic win defined Canada, (as) the country emerged from the under the shadow of Britain, as self capable and full of greatness.
“Canadian troops also earned the reputation as formidable, effective, troops because of their stunning success (during this battle). But it was a victory at a heavy cost. Three thousand five hundred and nine Canadians were killed, and another 7000 were wounded.”
During the ceremony, a moment of silence was held for the soldiers who fought in the battle. This was followed by the bagpipes being played and a reading of the poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae. Two wreathes were then laid on the cenotaph.
The holiday, which is non-statutory, has been observed annually since 2003.
Taking place in France on April 9, 1917, the battle was part of the Battle of Arras during the First World War and lasted three days. It was mainly fought between the four divisions of the Canadian Corps in the First Army against the three divisions of the German 6th army.
The battle is considered a defining moment in Canadian history as it was the first time that the four divisions of the Canadian Expeditionary Force fought together. As such, the battle has become a symbol of Canadian valour and sacrifice.
In honour of their victory and sacrifice, a 100 hectares portion of the former battleground has been turned into a memorial park and is the site of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.
READ MORE: Hope Legion commemorates 75th anniversary with beautiful new mural
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