Fletcher Marks the 91st Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

April 06, 2008

WINNIPEG — On behalf of the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood—St. James—Assiniboia, joined family members of First World War soldiers who fought at Vimy Ridge, representatives of local Veterans’ and youth organizations, to take part in a ceremony of remembrance at Vimy Ridge Memorial Park today to mark the 91st anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

“Today we honour the 30,000 Canadian soldiers who fought at Vimy and we pay our respects to the 3,598 who made the ultimate sacrifice in that battle,” said Mr. Fletcher. “We credit their bravery for the many freedoms we enjoy today.”

This year Canada marks the 91st anniversary of this historic battle, which is deemed to be one of the defining moments in the development of Canada as an independent nation. It was largely due to the hard-won victory at Vimy Ridge that Canada was awarded a separate signature on the Treaty of Versailles—the treaty that ended the First World War. Later this year, Canada will also observe the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

“Their efforts and sacrifices will never go unnoticed. We will continue to remember what our soldiers accomplished each year at this annual event,” said Veteran Murdoch Jardine, event organizer and President of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping.

The Government of Canada is committed to celebrating and remembering the sacrifices and achievements of all Canadians who served in times of war, armed conflict, and peace. For more information on this significant battle in Canada’s military history, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call toll free 1-800-443-0394.