Vimy Ridge

   Today is Aprl 9th.  We as Canadians celebrate the battle of Vimy Ridge, 100 years ago Canadian military regiments from coast to coast came together to fight the Germans. Over the course of 3 days the Canadians did what the French and English could not do. They repelled the Germans at Vimy Ridge. The victory led to the end of World War 1. The victory helped create a strong national identity.

Canadian leaders later referred to the battle of Vimy Ridge as " Our Greatest Victory, Our Bloodiest Day". Three thousand five hundred and ninety eight men gave their life and another seven thousand and four were wounded.

I watched with tears of happiness and sorrow as the anniversary was remembered. The memorial at Vimy Ridge is poignant and dignified. When Prince William and Harry laid the finally set of soldiers boots and poppies on the memorial, I felt extremely proud to be Canadian.

I came to Canada as a boy of four in 1968 and am pleased that my father accepted his career position in Canada. We owe our freedoms and liberties to the young military personnel who fought in the World Wars.

To this day whenever, I see military personnel in uniform I thank them for their service. It is a noble and heroic honor to serve your country. We need to do more to recognize, respect and honor the commitment and sacrifice of our military personnel.

The reality is that our military service did not end 100 years ago at Vimy Ridge. The military continues to serve to protect. In peace keeping roles throughout the world. Through their sacrifice and service they sometimes experience horrors which often leads to their lives being marred by mental health issues. We need to do more to support and let them know the pride we feel in their service.

Lest We Forget.