April 3, 2012
Ottawa — Ms. Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today met with youth at the Canadian War Museum to speak about the significance of the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
The students, participants in the Encounters with Canada program, are in Ottawa this week to learn more about this pivotal battle during the First World War that marked Canada’s coming of age as a nation. During the last 30 years, the Encounters with Canada program has allowed more than 89,000 young Canadians to learn about themselves, and their country, through a week of citizenship and leadership activities.
“Our Government is proud to honour the brave individuals who accomplished extraordinary things in the defence of peace, freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” said Minister Blaney. “We must continue to ensure that Canadian youth are aware of the important contributions of our Veterans and our men and women in uniform.”
“These young Canadians are embracing the responsibility of remembrance. Through their knowledge and commitment, the legacy of the brave men and women who served during the First World War will live on for future generations,” said Ms. Adams. “Because of the sacrifices of the valiant Canadians who served their country nearly a century ago, Canada is known far and wide for our values and our commitment to freedom.”
It was 95 years ago on Easter Monday, 1917, that the four divisions of the Canadian Corps, fighting side-by-side for the first time, captured Vimy Ridge. By the fourth day, April 12, Canadians controlled the entire ridge. The victory at Vimy was not without a price. There were more than 10,600 casualties. Of those, approximately 3,600 gave their lives.
For more information on Canada’s contribution to the Battle of Vimy Ridge during the First World War, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada Web site at veterans.gc.ca. Share your thoughts at facebook.com/CanadaRemembers.
