Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the 92nd anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge:
“Ninety-two years ago today, the courageous soldiers of the Canadian Corps took part in a decisive battle that would help define both the course of the First World War and the course of Canadian history.”
“Throughout four days of intense fighting, Canadian soldiers overcame immense odds to capture the strategically important Vimy Ridge. ”
“This monumental success came at an immense cost to Canada, with nearly 3,600 Canadians losing their lives. Thanks to the sacrifice and ultimate success of our soldiers, Canada not only succeeded on the battlefield but came of age as a proud, united and independent country among its allies and, ultimately, among the nations of the world.”
“Every November 11th, Canadians pause to remember those who sacrificed so much on behalf of our country and on behalf of the values we hold dear. Every day could be a Remembrance Day, because the freedoms and security that are so easy to take for granted in our day-to-day lives came at an immense cost.”
“We must always honour the Heroes of Vimy Ridge and the other conflicts of the Great War. We must always honour the Canadian service men and women who fought so bravely in the Second World War and in Korea or those who have served and continue to serve as peacekeepers in some of the most dangerous regions of the world.”
“Today, with Canadians once again serving bravely and sacrificing so much as part of the NATO mission in Afghanistan, we must renew our pledge to never take these sacrifices for granted. We honour the heroes of Vimy, just as we honour all of the heroes who have made Canada the country it is today – quite simply the greatest country in the world.”
“‘Lest we forget.’”
