vimy ridge

1917When did Vimy Ridge become a National Historic Site of Canada?

Vimy Ridge, located fourteen kilometres north of Arras in northern France, became a National Historic Site of Canada in 1996. This designation honors Canada’s significant accomplishment, sacrifice, and contribution during the First World War, particularly at the site of the pivotal 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge. The 117-hectare memorial park—granted to Canada by France in 1922—features the iconic monument by sculptor Walter S. Allward and preserves original battlefield trenches, where even today, sheep graze the dangerous ground littered with unexploded munitions. As we mark the 109th anniversary of the battle in 2026, Vimy Ridge stands as a lasting symbol of remembrance for over 11,000 missing Canadian soldiers with no known grave.

1925Who was Canada's Artillery Commander in the Great War?

Major-General Sir Edward Morrison, Canada's Artillery Commander during the Great War, played a pivotal role in some of the Canadian Corps' greatest victories on the Western Front, including Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. Despite his extraordinary leadership and the corps' unmatched record, Morrison remained largely forgotten for a century until historian Susan Raby-Dunne uncovered his remarkable story and connection to John McCrae, author of “In Flanders Fields.” In 2017, Morrison’s previously vanished grave marker at Ottawa’s Beechwood Cemetery was restored and formally rededicated, bringing overdue recognition to a commander whose strategic direction led to sixty percent of the war’s total casualties being inflicted by Canadian guns. As we mark the 100th anniversary of his death in 2025, Morrison’s legacy now stands as a testament to the courage, skill, and sacrifice of Canada’s artillery and the men he led.

2000When was the Canadian Unknown Soldier entombed at the National War Memorial, Ottawa?

Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the foot of the National War Memorial in Ottawa, stands as a profound symbol of national remembrance. The unidentified soldier was repatriated from the Cabaret Rouge British War Cemetery near Vimy Ridge, a site deeply significant to Canada’s military heritage. Unveiled on May 28, 2000, the sarcophagus—designed by sculptor Mary-Ann Liu—was modeled after the altar of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. This year, 2025, marks the 25th anniversary of this moving tribute to the sacrifices and unity of generations of Canadians.

2014What memorial bridge erected in Canada's capital was named in honour of the heroes of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, France?

The Vimy Memorial Bridge in Ottawa stands as a striking tribute to the Canadian soldiers who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France. Linking the communities of Barrhaven and Riverside South over the Rideau River, this impressive steel-reinforced truss arch bridge officially opened on July 12, 2014, after a lengthy construction process costing $48 million. Its renaming, endorsed by the Royal Canadian Legion and city officials in November 2014, was timed to coincide with the centennial of the First World War, connecting local heritage to a pivotal moment in Canadian history. Notably, the bridge not only facilitates transport but also features dedicated lanes for buses, bicycles, pedestrians, and a commemorative plaque that reminds visitors of the 3,598 Canadians who lost their lives at Vimy Ridge.