News Release
February 2, 2007
Winnipeg - Rod Bruinooge, Member of Parliament Winnipeg South, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, on behalf of the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Festival du Voyageur, and The Honourable Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba, today unveiled a snow sculpture of the Vimy Monument to commemorate the upcoming 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
The sculpture, located in front of the Manitoba Legislature, is a 17-foot tall interpretation of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France that marks the site of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The actual monument, which stands as tall as a 10-storey building, was built as a memorial to the 11,285 Canadians who died in France but have no known grave.
"This snow sculpture will remind Winnipeggers and the thousands of visitors to the Festival du Voyageur of what Canadians accomplished 90 years ago at Vimy Ridge," said M.P. Rod Bruinooge. "The Battle of Vimy Ridge was a military victory that shaped our great nation. Canadian values of peace and freedom are not free; they come at a high price. The Vimy Memorial reminds us of that price."
M.P. Rod Bruinooge also invited Winnipeggers to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge at a ceremony planned for Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007 at Vimy Ridge Memorial Park.
"The Vimy Ridge Memorial in France stands in honour of our Veterans who served in battle, and this snow sculpture will remind Manitobans of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," said Premier Gary Doer. "On this year's 90th anniversary of the battle in April, Manitobans will also pay their respects at Vimy Ridge Memorial Park, our own permanent tribute to these heroes."
The Battle of Vimy Ridge began on April 9, 1917, and marked the first time all four Divisions of the Canadian Corps went into battle together. It was there, about fourteen kilometres northeast of Arras, France, that the Canadians accomplished what other allied forces could not they captured Vimy Ridge. The Canadian success earned Canada a separate signature on the Versailles Peace Treaty. This success came at a great cost more than 10,000 casualties, of which 3,598 were fatal.
For more information on Vimy events visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca or call toll-free 1 800 443-0394.
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