OTTAWA - On July 18, 2010, a Canadian Forces (CF) contingent of 220 persons on their way to the Netherlands for the 94th annual International Four Days Marches Nijmegenstopped in France to commemorate the sacrifice of more than 66,000 Canadian service personnel who died during the First World War.
"We are honoured to be present at this sacred place that most Canadians never have the fortune to visit," said Brig.-Gen. John Madower, the CF Contingent Commander. "Vimy is a prominent milestone where we, as Canadians, distinguished ourselves on the world stage, and began to take our place amongst the nations of the world."
Brig.-Gen. Madower described a scene from Easter Morning of 1917 as "somewhere between rain and snow, darkness and light, supported by Canadian and allied forces overhead, 983 artillery pieces, and 150 heavy machine guns; what would become the first imperial victory was launched since the war began in 1914. The earth rumbled for miles around, as if there were an earthquake. The faint bombing of the guns could be heard as far away as London and Paris. After intense fighting and 10,000 Canadian casualties, ¾ of the ridge was in Canadian hands. The fighting did not slacken and two days later, the very last reserves were committed – the Nova Scotia Highlanders, secured and held the final objective."
Following a very emotional memorial service, the Canadian Contingent was hosted by a team of tour guides from Veteran's Affairs Canada. The Contingent received an exceptionally detailed tour of a place that Canadians hold sacred.
"Vimy is a pre-eminent Canadian monument representing an extremely significant event in our history that is rarely seen by the average Canadian, said MCpl Scotty Marshall, Canadian Contingent marcher. "It was an honour to visit it."
The visit to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, the largest Canadian overseas war memorial, was sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion as part of the CF contingent's Nijmegen itinerary. Brig.-Gen. Madower thanked Mr. Allan Callard the Royal Canadian Legion representative who is also marching with the Canadian Contingent. A wreath was placed at the Memorial on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion by Mr. Callard.
During the Nijmegen Marches, CF marchers will cover 160 km through the Dutch countryside and crowded streets of towns in the Nijmegen area - often walking the same terrain where many Canadians fought and died during the Second World War. Many CF members consider their visits to the memorials the most significant aspect of the Nijmegen experience.
Canadian military teams have taken part in the Nijmegen marches every year since 1952. The Nijmegen Marches are taking place this year from July 20 to July 23.
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Notes to editor / news director: Media agencies can request interviews with CF personnel in Nijmegen by contacting the Media Liaison Office at 1-866-377-0811 or 613-996-2353.
