germany

1. 1873
   • Sep 2

     What was the first national monument erected in the newly founded German Empire in its new capital city of Berlin?

     The Victory Column (Siegessäule) in Berlin was the first national monument erected by the newly founded German Empire in its capital following unification in 1871. Built to commemorate Prussia’s decisive victories in the wars of unification, the column was inaugurated on 2 September 1873, the anniversary of the landmark Battle of Sedan. Surviving relocation during the Nazi era and damage in World War II, the monument is crowned by the iconic golden statue of Victoria and adorned with gilded cannons and reliefs—some of which were only returned from France in 1987, marking a powerful gesture of peace and reconciliation. Today, 152 years after its unveiling, the Victory Column stands not only as a symbol of military triumph but also as a place of reflection and unity in the heart of Berlin.

2. 1917
   • Apr 14

     What is the significance of the Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial?

     The Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial, situated on the eastern edge of the French village of Monchy-le-Preux, honors the extraordinary bravery of the Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War. On April 14, 1917, just ten Newfoundlanders held off massive German counter-attacks for four critical hours, preventing the loss of a vital position in Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig's spring offensive. The caribou monument, chosen for its placement by the Regiment, stands atop the ruins of a German strongpoint, gazing toward Infantry Hill where this legendary stand occurred. Remarkably, a British general later credited these ten men with saving up to 40,000 Allied lives, underscoring the unique and lasting significance of their actions.

3. 1945
   • Feb 26

     Which Canadian Second World War hero from Latchford, Ontario was awarded the Victoria Cross postumously in 1945?

     Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, originally from Latchford, Ontario, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross in 1945 for his exceptional bravery during a pivotal assault at Mooshof, Germany. His heroism on the night of February 25–26, 1945, where he assumed command under fire and led his platoon to capture crucial enemy positions, was vital to the Allied advance. At just 24 years old, Cosens became one of only 16 Canadians to receive the Victoria Cross in the Second World War, and his legacy is honoured both locally—such as through the Sgt. Aubrey Cosens VC Memorial Bridge—and internationally, with his grave at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands visited by military delegations during commemorative marches.

February

26

1945Which Canadian Second World War hero from Latchford, Ontario was awarded the Victoria Cross postumously in 1945?

Sergeant Aubrey Cosens, originally from Latchford, Ontario, was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross in 1945 for his exceptional bravery during a pivotal assault at Mooshof, Germany. His heroism on the night of February 25–26, 1945, where he assumed command under fire and led his platoon to capture crucial enemy positions, was vital to the Allied advance. At just 24 years old, Cosens became one of only 16 Canadians to receive the Victoria Cross in the Second World War, and his legacy is honoured both locally—such as through the Sgt. Aubrey Cosens VC Memorial Bridge—and internationally, with his grave at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands visited by military delegations during commemorative marches.

April

14

1917What is the significance of the Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial?

The Monchy-le-Preux Newfoundland Memorial, situated on the eastern edge of the French village of Monchy-le-Preux, honors the extraordinary bravery of the Newfoundland Regiment during the First World War. On April 14, 1917, just ten Newfoundlanders held off massive German counter-attacks for four critical hours, preventing the loss of a vital position in Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig's spring offensive. The caribou monument, chosen for its placement by the Regiment, stands atop the ruins of a German strongpoint, gazing toward Infantry Hill where this legendary stand occurred. Remarkably, a British general later credited these ten men with saving up to 40,000 Allied lives, underscoring the unique and lasting significance of their actions.

September

2

1873What was the first national monument erected in the newly founded German Empire in its new capital city of Berlin?

The Victory Column (Siegessäule) in Berlin was the first national monument erected by the newly founded German Empire in its capital following unification in 1871. Built to commemorate Prussia’s decisive victories in the wars of unification, the column was inaugurated on 2 September 1873, the anniversary of the landmark Battle of Sedan. Surviving relocation during the Nazi era and damage in World War II, the monument is crowned by the iconic golden statue of Victoria and adorned with gilded cannons and reliefs—some of which were only returned from France in 1987, marking a powerful gesture of peace and reconciliation. Today, 152 years after its unveiling, the Victory Column stands not only as a symbol of military triumph but also as a place of reflection and unity in the heart of Berlin.