“We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunsets glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.”
100 years ago today Canada became a nation when the four divisions of the Canadian Corps came together for the first time.
Together, the soldiers were able capture the previously unattainable ridge of Vimy. After the four day battle, the Canadians earned respect from their allies, and four outstanding soldiers earned Victoria Crosses for their endeavours; the divisions also struck fear into the German soldiers who previously doubted the Canadians.
But this was not without loss; 3,598 Canadians lost their lives, another 7,000 were injured.
The memorial of Vimy Ridge includes 20 large sculptures that represent the ideals the Canadians fought for - truth, justice, hope and peace.
The memorial also includes the inscribed names of the 11,250 Canadians who died in France who have no known grave.
The "Canada Bereft” at the centre of the memorial gazes downwards over the graves of her valiant soldiers.
The stature represent those who were left behind to mourn their lost.
3,598 pairs of boots were placed around the monument; one for each of the fallen.
Without these brave soldiers, Canada would not be what it is today.
We do not owe them something. We owe them everything.
