Remembering Vimy Ridge
Parade commemorates 100th anniversary of historic battle
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and a parade took place in Lethbridge on Saturday to commemorate the centennial anniversary. During the early hours of April 9, 1917, Canadian soldiers stormed Vimy Ridge.
It was the first time all four Canadian divisions fought together, including those from our region.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge is considered by many to be one of most significant battles in the history of Canada's military.
“The Ridge had not been taken by any other allies and it was Canadians that had the breakthrough between the 9th and the 12th of April, 1917 and took the Ridge,” said Brigadier-General Nic Stanton, Deputy Commander, 3rd Canadian Division.
But the war continued until Nov. 11, 1918. “Around 261 people died in the First World War from Lethbridge,” said Stanton. “So there’s a rich history of the military here.”
According to Major Howard Han, commanding officer of the 20th Independent Field Battery, Lethbridge and the surrounding area produced three artillery field batteries that participated in that battle.
During Saturday’s event members of the public joined those serving in the 20th Independent Field Battery, Royal Canadian Artillery and Cadets for the parade and remembrance ceremony.
The parade started at 10 a.m. at Galt Gardens and made its way to city hall where a Remembrance Ceremony and gun salute took place before returning back to Galt Gardens.
“The sacrifice, as a soldier, is very deep. I've lost a couple friends in Afghanistan,” said Han. “When I think of them and when I think of all the previous soldiers who I didn’t know personally and what potentially I might be asked to do for my own country, I take it very, very personally. It’s important to me that we do our best to remember and not forget those sacrifices.”
“As a soldier, and I know most of the soldiers in the battery, are deeply moved to have people come out and pay respect, not just to us, but to previous veterans because we know that anyone’s sacrifice of currently serving members won’t be forgotten as well. So, this isn’t just for the Vimy vets but it’s for all veterans,” said Han. “As significant milestones come from key battles, it’s nice to know that the Canadian public will take time to remember those events and not just lump it all under Remembrance Day.”
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