Today is the 100th Anniversary of The Battle for Vimy Ridge

[drhu22]

I read Pierre Burton's Vimy... thank God I never had to go through that.

[Selkirk]

Originally Posted by HeavyD111

. . . Did you guys know that during the occupation of France, Hitler admired the Vimy memorial because the monument represented peace, and posted SS guards to protect it from vandalism? . . .

That's ^ not well known, but it's very true! Thanks to Hitler (of all people!) Canada's monument at Vimy Ridge was the only WWI monument in France that was not vandalised by German troops during the occupation of France in WWII.

Another, even more important fact that is lost by many Canadians ... the monument at Vimy Ridge was Not put there to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge specifically. Canada's war monument at Vimy Ridge is dedicated to 'All' of Canada's efforts, battles fought, and all Canadians who suffered and died during WWI. If you've ever been to the monument, you will know by the words that are inscribed on the monument walls . . .

"To The Valour Of Their Countrymen In The Great War
And In The Memory Of Their Sixty Thousand Dead
This Monument Is Raised By The People Of Canada"

May we never forget their sacrifice,

Selkirk

[thumper]

Tim Cook's new book (it's only been out a month or so) is titled: VIMY The Battle and The Legend. It's a thorough account of the battle, and of how the legend has evolved over the past 100 years. At 500 pages, it's a significant book, and only available in hardcover at almost $40 - but well worth it. One terrific read!

Tim Cook is a military historian at the Canadian War Museum. VIMY is his latest of 9 books. His 2-volume set on the First World War, as well as his 2-volume set on the Second World War are also excellent.

[Selkirk]

.

More than 20,000 Canadians attended Vimy Ridge on Sunday ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSerGABNyL4

Wish I was there

Selkirk

[Path_finder]

My daughter is 14 years old. Grade 8. Honor student. They were talking about Vimy on the news and she turns to me and says "whats Vimy Ridge?"
Could'nt believe it. How is this not being taught in school?

[260 Rem]

I paid respects at the Vimy Memorial as well as several Canadian Cemetery's (in Holland) in the late '90s. Very impressive.

[waterhawk]

Bit difficult for me to see Justin at the Vimy ceremony. I know that if there was any similar fight today, he would be a long way from it. His grandfather was of fighting age at the time of WW1 and did not go into service. His father was of fighting age at the time of WW2 and did not go into service until he was drafted. Those drafted did not have to leave Canada.

[fitzy]

Originally Posted by waterhawk

Bit difficult for me to see Justin at the Vimy ceremony. I know that if there was any similar fight today, he would be a long way from it. His grandfather was of fighting age at the time of WW1 and did not go into service. His father was of fighting age at the time of WW2 and did not go into service until he was drafted. Those drafted did not have to leave Canada.

Just curious but have you been in the service?

[jungleboy]

Originally Posted by waterhawk

Bit difficult for me to see Justin at the Vimy ceremony. I know that if there was any similar fight today, he would be a long way from it. His grandfather was of fighting age at the time of WW1 and did not go into service. His father was of fighting age at the time of WW2 and did not go into service until he was drafted. Those drafted did not have to leave Canada.

Originally Posted by fitzy

Just curious but have you been in the service?

Ohh here we go

[waterhawk]

Originally Posted by fitzy

Just curious but have you been in the service?

No I have not. My grandfather was in the army in WW1 and my father in the navy in WW2. I can assure you if Canada was involved in a military action when I was of fighting age and needed men, I would have gone. I was born in 1953 and that never occurred.

[Gray Wolf]

The last few posts are soiling the intent of this thread!

[waterhawk]

Originally Posted by Gray Wolf

The last few posts are soiling the intent of this thread!

Fair comment. My apologies.