Tens of thousands expected to gather at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France to mark Vimy 100

Canada’s First World War story presented in a sombre artistic performance 

March 24, 2017 – Ottawa – Veterans Affairs Canada 

On Sunday, April 9, the Government of Canada will host a signature commemorative ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, in France, to mark the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the First World War. 

Well-known Canadian actors and musicians, in the presence of dignitaries, Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and thousands of Canadian youth, will participate in an historically inspired, artistic ceremony that pays homage to the sacrifices and achievements of all those who participated in the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917. 

The hour and a half ceremony will feature musical performances, commemorative elements such as a moment of silence and wreath laying; and historical content to highlight the significance of the First World War for Canada and the importance of passing the torch of remembrance to the youth of today. The ceremony will also include a replica biplane flypast over the Canadian National Vimy Memorial by a team of dedicated volunteer pilots and builders known as Vimy Flight. 

The storyline will be built on the history of the battle, the people who participated and witnessed it, and the Canadian values which are carved into the monument and remain relevant to this day. 

Boots of the Fallen, a pre-ceremony element, will see thousands of Canadian Armed Forces boots placed on-site throughout the afternoon. Laid by Canadian and French youth, these boots represent the approximately 3,600 Canadians who died during the Battle of Vimy Ridge and their legacy for Canadians today. 

Canadians unable to travel to France are invited to experience the ceremony by watching the live broadcast on CBC Television, CBC News Network, Radio-Canada and RDI on April 9 (please visit Canada.ca/vimy-100 for updates). 

In honour of this significant anniversary, commemorative events will also take place on April 8 and 9 at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. An official delegation consisting of Veterans, youth and government representatives will gather in Ottawa to participate in programming between April 6 and 9. The Government of Canada is also working closely with provincial and territorial governments to organize events across Canada. Canadians are encouraged to participate in commemorative ceremonies taking place across Canada to mark the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.