Vimy, France – Veterans Affairs Canada
Mr. Graeme Clark, Minister, Deputy Head of Mission, Canadian Embassy in Paris, joined Canadian and French citizens and officials today for a ceremony of remembrance at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Mr. Clark was joined at the event by Philippe Dieudonné, Sub-Prefect of Boulogne-sur-Mer and representative of the French Republic.
Among those in attendance were local dignitaries, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian and French Veterans, representatives of the Royal Canadian Legion, and Canadian students. The moving ceremony recognized the service and sacrifices made in the name of peace and freedom by men and women from both countries over the past 100 years.
Quick Facts
- Situated on a high point of Vimy Ridge—the site of a battle that is central to the contribution of Canada to the First World War—the majestic Canadian National Vimy Memorial commemorates more than 60,000 Canadians who died in France.
- Remembrance Day, first observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth, was originally called "Armistice Day" to commemorate the agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
- More than 1,500,000 Canadians have served throughout our nation’s history and more than 118,000 have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Quotes
"At Vimy Ridge, the Canadian Corps showed unprecedented grit, determination and bravery. Now, 100 years after the First World War began, people from around the world gather at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices that were made by all those who served."
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs
"Since the First World War, many courageous men and women of Canada, France, Britain, and Allied nations have served the cause of freedom. Today, with gratitude, we honour the courage and achievements of those who have made peace possible. We shall not forget them."
Mr. Graeme Clark, Minister, Deputy Head of Mission, Canadian Embassy in Paris