VIMY RIDGE DAY

The National Flag at the Coldwater Cenotaph is lowered to half-mast today in commemoration of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commemorative wreath laying ceremonies are cancelled in Ottawa and across the country, including here in Coldwater.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge began on Easter Monday, April 9, 1917. The first wave of 15,000-20,000 Canadian soldiers attacked through the wind-driven snow and sleet into the face of deadly machine gun fire. The battle proved to be a great success, but it came at a heavy cost. The some 100,000 Canadians who served there suffered more than 10,600 casualties, nearly 3,600 of which were fatal. At Vimy Ridge, regiments from coast to coast saw action together in a distinctly Canadian triumph, helping create a new and stronger sense of national identity in our country. Canada's military achievements during the war raised our international stature and helped earn us a separate signature on the Treaty of Versailles that formally ended the war.

PHOTO CAPTION: Coldwater Legion Branch President Normand Marion lowers the National Flag at his home, a reminder for everyone to stay home and stay safe, unless you must go in public for essential business.