Vimy Remembered
November is upon us now. The days grow shorter and the skies grey. It is a time to remember. In Canada, we commemorate the many who fought and sacrificed their lives for the wonderful freedoms that we enjoy today on November 11th, Remembrance Day. And Vimy Ridge has come to symbolize this nation’s remembrance. I feel blessed to have had the good fortune to visit this site of such great courage and sacrifice.
Located about 100 kilometres inland from the Normandy coast in northern France, Vimy Ridge, is the site of what is considered one of Canada’s greatest victories during World War I. In just four days, beginning on Easter Monday, 1917, the Canadians defeated the foe and took control of Hill 145, the highest point on the ridge. The Battle of Vimy Ridge is considered by many to be the event that marked Canada’s coming of age as a nation. And it is on this site that the Canadian National Vimy Memorial now stands.
A site of victory, but also of death, it is dedicated to the 60,000 Canadians who died in France during the Great War. The names and ranks of the 11,285 missing Canadian soldiers who have no known grave were initially inscribed on the base of the monument. Two names have recently been added due to the fact that the remains of two more soldiers have been found in the surrounding fields. It is not uncommon for farmers in the area to come across human remains as they till the soil.
This deeply moving monument is the work of Canadian sculpture Walter S. Allward and poses 20 beautifully carved figures symbolizing loss and the shared ideals of peace and hope against two limestone pylons. The towering figure of ‘Canada Bereft’ overlooking ‘The Tomb’ as well as those of ‘The Male Mourner’ and ‘The Female Mourner’ powerfully communicate the grief of a mourning nation. As I stood beside ‘Canada Bereft’, overlooking the lush, green Douai Plain on an overcast day in May, 2017, I was reminded of something my guide had said: that not one of the trees in view was more than 100 years old. This was because the war had destroyed everything in sight and turned the fertile fields into a sea of mud.
Another stark reminder of the ravages of war were the fenced off fields immediately surrounding the Monument. Marked with ‘Danger’ signs, they indicate areas still contaminated with landmines. In fact, sheep are left to graze on these dangerous areas to prevent the triggering of mines while keeping the grass under control.
This Hill 145, while situated in France, is now Canadian land, having been gifted to Canada by the French as a symbol of gratitude for our support during the war. That appreciation was also evident in the Canadian flags we saw flying in the surrounding villages as we drove through them.
And so, as the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, the end of the first World War, approaches, these statues of ‘Peace’, ‘Honour’, Charity’ and ‘Knowledge’ continue to stand as constant reminders of our hope for a harmonious future.
13 Comments
thehomeplaceweb
Thanks for sharing that link with me. I don’t think I have ever seen it that close up before, just at a distance during memorial services, and I was unaware of the sheep and the landmines. I would love to have the opportunity someday to see it in person.
L'Abeille Française
You’re welcome. I hope you get the chance to visit it too.
HistorianRuby
Thanks for sharing such lovely pictures. My grandfather and great-uncle (Irish and English) fought with the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI.
L'Abeille Française
Glad you enjoyed them and thanks for letting me know about your relatives Canadian connections. I’m sure many strong bonds were formed during that time of great strife.
Denzil
What a stunning and visually moving monument. I guess it can be seen for miles around.
L'Abeille Française
Yes, it is visible from several miles away.
Laurie
What a moving tribute to Canadian servicemen. I got goosebumps just reading the post and viewing the pictures!
L'Abeille Française
It is such an amazing place to visit.
annieasksyou
This is another lovely post—thoughtful, poignant, and visually arresting. The detail about the age of the trees is just one of several memorable passages. I look forward to your next post.
L'Abeille Française
Thank you so much Annie.
Phillip Cornwell
Beautiful photos!
L'Abeille Française
Thank you!
Sadje
Thanks for sharing such touching post.