Sacrifices must never be forgotten
Re: “Am I proud or am I pained?” (NP Montreal, Gazette April 1)
As a proud Canadian, I was pained to see such an argument made about “wasted lives.”
The battle at Vimy Ridge was a seminal moment in our history that many to this day define as the “birth of our nation.”
On April 9, 1917, the Canadian Corps comprising four divisions, and Canadians from coast to coast fought together under Canadian command for the first time, and accomplished what many considered impossible: They took Vimy Ridge — a crucial first major victory for the allies.
With that, Canada burst onto the world stage as a truly independent country, not just another colony of mother England.
Canadians gained the reputation of punching well above their weight, one that endures to this day.
The battle introduced the concept of the rolling artillery barrage, and for the first time platoon commanders (sergeants and corporals) were privy to plans.
They had studied their objectives, and were given the freedom to adapt in order to achieve their objectives, a concept unheard of to British commanders.
These innovations, among others, were the key to victory, and were quickly adopted by allied armies.
From Vimy to Passchendaele to Amiens to Canal du Nord to their final battle at Mons, Canadians were often the shock troops that led the way as the allies drove the Germans back.
They were among the most feared troops on the battlefield.
As to the choice of Vimy Ridge as the site of the Canadian war memorial, we could not have chosen a more fitting place.
The monument and the site are truly awe inspiring. On one side a grieving Mother Canada broods over her fallen sons, and the names of the fallen inscribed on the sides remind us of the sacrifice they made.
From the ridge one can see the valley below and the town of Vimy in one direction, and the exposed slope up which the Canadians advanced in the other.
Nearby are original trench lines of the opposing forces, sometimes only a few dozen metres apart.
Although it is now a place of quiet reverence, the “Danger: Unexploded Ordinance” signs are everywhere, a constant reminder of the carnage 100 years ago.
The sacrifices made by all Canadians — at the front, and on the home front — must never be forgotten, and we must not allow time to erase their memories.
On April 9, take the time, visit a war memorial, visit a Legion, or just spare a thought for the contribution they made to our collective history.
Martin R. Bruyère, past president, Royal Canadian Legion General Vanier Branch 234, Roxboro