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Vimy Ridge 2007 

In April of 2007, the Centre Wellington DHS Choir and Band journeyed to Normandy, France, to experience the 90th Anniversary and re-dedication of the Vimy Ridge memorial.

Although we have performed overseas on many occasions, and in many countries, this was special. Not only did we gain a deep appreciate for the sacrifices made in both World War I and II, we were surprised by the level of gratitude still felt towards Canadians in Normandy.

We hope that the following short profiles of our journey will help you understand what it means to be Canadian in beautiful Normandy, France.

 

 

Freedom of the City Parade 

 Duration: 2:37

On Easter Sunday, 2007, we were invited to march in a "Freedom of the City" parade, in Arras, Normandy. At first, we didn't really understand the significance of this - but as the crowds in the streets grew and grew, tearfully waving worn Canadian flags, we realized that the gratitude of the people of Normandy towards Canada has not diminished with time.

As we entered the main square to thousands of cheering French calling out "Merci beaucoup, Canada!", we felt overwhelmed with emotion. We were led to a ceremonial gateway - and just as our troops were granted "Freedom of the City" so many decades ago, we too were welcomed.

"Freedom of the City" is the highest honour that can  be bestowed on a military unit - the freedom to show their colours, carry loaded bayonets through the streets and be received by the city officials. Canadian troops were given this honour and we were reliving the event.

 

 

Vimy Ceremony, part 1 

 Duration: 9:22
The first sight of the monument is breathtaking. Walter Allward took 16 years to design and construct the monument, on 250 hectares of French land which was given, in perpetuity, to the people of Canada in recognition of Canada's war efforts.

The monument was a tribute to the over 10,000 Canadians who were lost in capturing this strategic ridge overlooking the Douai Plain in a decisive battle of World War I. For the first time, Canadian troops were united as a corps and sealed their reputation as among the finest troops on the Western Front. "In those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation", said Brigadier-General A.E. Ross afterwards.
 
The 90th Anniversary ceremony saw over 25,000 people in attendance, including 5000 Canadian youth. The first part of the ceremony included the haunting Metis Lament, as a lone violin mourns the losses in battle.
 

Vimy Ceremony, part 2 

 Duration: 9:22
The culmination of the rededication ceremony was the massed bands, choir and Inuit performer, Susan Aglugkark performing the piece "I'm Dreaming of Home".
 

Canadian cemetaries 

 Duration: 0:51

It gave us all an eerie feeling to stare at the tombstones in the Canadian cemetaries - to see surnames familar to our community and to discover that most of the fallen were so very, very young - even a fourteen year old!

These cemetaries are lovingly tended by the local people; each gravestone had its own tiny garden.

We had seen flag waving parades, pomp and ceremony and politicians ... but it was in quiet of the cemetaries that we felt the personal stories of fallen, the real pain of loss and the tremendous sacrifice that was made. It made us proud ...

 
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First published on Feb 13, 2008.