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Past event helped to define a nation
by Michelle Minnoch

April 9th marks a significant date in the history of this country. The date represents skill, teamwork, passion, drive and so much more. On April 9th, 1917 more than 15,000 Canadian infantry began the assault at Vimy Ridge.

In France, the Germans were in the hill, where they had defeated the British and the French numerous times, surrounded by trenches and tunnels. Over 200,000 had lost their lives and it was time for Canada to take it.

The Canadians planned for their upcoming battle; soldiers were trained to load and fire on German artillery, so they could use weapons found on the ground; special tasks, such as grenade throwers, riffle men and machine gunners were handed out; soldiers trained on a mock up hill of the area they would be facing.

All four divisions of the Canadian Corps advanced together for the first time to take the ridge. Three days of fighting ensued and in the end, the Canadians seized more ground, guns and prisoners than any other British attempt. The Canadians did suffer with casualties; 3598 were killed and about 7000 wounded.

In 1922, the French Government gave Canada Vimy Ridge, and the land surrounding it (250 acres of land). The memorial took 11 years to complete at a cost of $1.5 million; the base is made up of 11,000 tonnes of concrete, and the figures 5,500 tonnes of stone. Carved on the base are the names of the 11,285 Canadians missing, or presumed dead. The memorial, which has recently undergone restoration, was unveiled by King Edward VIII on July 26, 1936. The restoration, headed by Veterans Affairs Canada, is comprised government ministries, the Commonwealth Ware Graves Commission, and other groups who specialize in military history.

Many believe the victory at Vimy Ridge is a milestone for Canada, defining time in the history of our country. Along with dignitaries from Canada, 3598 Canadian students will be at the overseas ceremony, one representing every soldier who was killed in the battle. Each student has created a tribute in poem, essay, painting or song form, to the soldier they are chosen to represent.

This fitting tribute to the Canadian soldiers who lost their lives, especially with the students participating, will be covered on various Canadian television stations throughout the next couple of days, as well as CBC Radio. Take the time to watch some of the ceremonies, recognizing our countries strength, solidarity, and resilience.

Flash forward: Afghanistan 2007. Eugene Melnick, owner of the Ottawa Senators, flew into the Canadian base in Kandahar recently to make a special delivery. Armed with $50,000 worth of goods for the soldiers, he landed with what any hard working Canadian would want in Afghanistan on a day off; jerseys, sticks, and other ball hockey equipment needed for a little hockey. Now that's a gift I sure will keep on giving when there's time off, and you're missing home.

By the way, they played an American team when they got there new equipment - our soldiers beat them 9 - 0.