Ottawa is celebrating the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of those who served Canada in times of war.
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and Defence Minister Anita Anand took part today in a commemxjmtzyworative ceremony at the National War Memorial, in Ottawa’s Confederation Square.
Anishinaabe elder and Ottawa’s poet laureate Albert Dumont opened the celebrations around 11 a.m. with a prayer and smudging.
The First World War battle in northern France is considered a defining moment in Canada’s history as the country’s soldiers all fought together as one single unit, the Canadian Corps.
About 100,000 Canadian soldiers attacked the Germans from the morning of April 9 to April 12, 1917, and succeeded in capturing the ridge after suffering more than 10,600 casualties.
Anand spoke to the crowd today, saying the battle marked the moment Canada stepped out and truly became a nation by contributing to one of the most significant Allied victories.
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