Soldiers march in Calgary, in honour of Vimy Ridge
Posted Apr 8, 2017 5:38 pm.
Last Updated Apr 8, 2017 5:39 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the battle at Vimy Ridge, France during the First World War, Calgarians came out to remember the greatest victory in Canadian military history.
Hundreds of soldiers from Calgary battalions, along with some British troops, marched from Mewata Armoury to Poppy Plaza and the Soldier’s Memorial along Memorial Drive to commemorate the historic event.
Backed by bands playing traditional songs that were likely to be heard on that early morning of April 9, 1917, members of the Calgary Highlanders, King’s Own Calgary Regiment and Calgary-based 41 Canadian Brigade Group marched in honour of the more than 10,000 people killed in the crucial battle.
Lt.-Col. Kyle Clapperton, Commander of the Calgary Highlanders, says this shows how all of Calgary has a link to Vimy Ridge.
“All the units in Calgary have a connection back to that First World War battle, and I couldn’t be prouder of what’s been accomplished today, bringing the community together, the citizens of Calgary to commemorate this historic battle.”
Lt.-Col. Clapperton adds it’s important that the British soldiers took part as a show of camaraderie.
“We have so much in common. It’s great to parade with them, commemorate with them. And as was mentioned at the parade, we know that Vimy wasn’t just a Canadian battle, it was a battle of the British Armed Forces. We had Brits fighting side-by-side with Canadians, and it’s only appropriate that they’re here with us today.”
When the group arrived at Poppy Plaza, they were met by a large crowd of Calgarians who had gathered to pay their respects, and learn more.
Lt.-Gov. of Alberta, Lois Mitchell was in attendance, and inspected the ranks of soldiers. She was joined by other dignitaries such as Deputy Mayor Diane Colley-Urquhart, MP for Calgary-Forest Lawn Deepak Obhrai, representatives from the UK and USA consulates, plus military brass.
A historian also went through the facts of the Vimy Ridge battle, and it ended with the playing of The Last Post and Reveille, then a blank shell was fired from a 105 mm field gun, like the ones used to bombard enemy positions a hundred years ago.
Back then, it was quickly known the fight would go down in history as one of the greatest moments for Canada, and it stands the test of time as a formative moment.
“That legacy of sacrifice informs Canadian soldiers today. It’s our identity,” says Lt.-Col. Clapperton. “As a country, we came together. Vimy, many scholars have said, was the formation of a nation.”
