Ottawa marked the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy

Governor General Mary Simon and Minister of Defense Anita Anand participated in a ceremony held at the National War Memorial in Confederation Square.

Ottawa’s English-speaking Poet Laureate, Albert Dumont, an elder of the Anishinaabe Nation, began the ceremony around 11 am with a prayer and a smudging ceremony.

We must understand that the soldiers of freedom who died for were not killedsaid Mr. Dumont.

He’s here. We feel it in our lungs with every breath. I am grateful to those who died for us, to the wounded. As a free people, we honor them in ceremonies like this. Our hearts are full of love and respect for all who have defended the freedom of other CanadiansHe added.

The crowd rose as Mr. Dumont and his grandson burned sage to clear the wind.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place in northern France, is considered an important moment in Canadian history. Canadian soldiers fought as one large unit, the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was not at the ceremony, recalled in a press release that the Canadian corps had succeeded where other allied forces had failed.

Many of them are young men in their late teens and early twenties, united in their fight for justice, peace and freedom, he said. In addition, some innovative fighting techniques implemented at Vimy Ridge will help the Allied’s final victory a year and a half later.

About 100,000 Canadian soldiers attacked German positions built on the ridge from April 9 to 12, 1917. They captured it at a cost of more than 7,000 wounded and 3,600 dead.

This battle, in fact this whole war, is a story of Canadian unity, cooperation, intelligence, courage and sacrifice, said Governor General Mary Simon. It also shows us why we should always strive for peace. The price to pay is too high to do otherwise.

Ms. also mentioned. Simon the many conflicts that are currently taking place.

” It is our duty to turn to dialogue, understanding and respect. This is our obligation to the soldiers who invaded Vimy Ridge more than a century ago. “

Minister Anand delivered a speech, recalling that Canada had truly become a nation in this battle, one of several Allied victories before the last offensive from August to November 1918.

The Germans established a strong network of trenches and tunnels on Vimy Ridge, making it a fort that Allied forces fought their teeth on for three years.

” Well trained for this attack, our soldiers are ready. This battle represents a decisive moment for our country. “

After the speeches, a minute of silence was observed, broken by the sound of bagpipes playing. The Lamentation and native percussion.

Although we are far from the battlefields, we have a place in our hearts for Vimy and everyone who paid the highest amount. We will always be grateful.