In the past, I've written twice about Vimy Ridge. Today, on the 90th anniversary of this victory, I'd like to re-post both entries.
On December 14, 2002, I wrote the following.
If Vimy Ridge was an American success story, Hollywood would be churning out big budget epics on the subject on a regular basis. Vimy Ridge happens to be draped in red and white, and as a result, it's never received the celluloid documentation it so richly deserves. As Canadians, we're almost embarrassed of our successes. Why is that? Americans spin every event into a patriotic landmark of their history while we push the spotlight away from these proud accomplishments. The exception to this is hockey, but hockey is the exception to just about everything North of the 49th parallel.
I just read an article in the Saturday Star that claims our schools are now teaching that the War of 1812 resulted in a draw. Canadian youth are being taught that the United States of America had no choice but to attack, and although we held them off, we certainly were not victorious. The War of 1812 is full of excellent examples of Canadian pride, from Laura Secord to Tecumseh. Why can't we take a page out of the book of Americana and celebrate moments when Canada and Canadians shine brightest? Why aren't I hearing that great Canadian actors are currently filming a movie directed by Norman Jewison or Atom Egoyan based on that day in April 1917 when we as Canadians worked together and captured Vimy Ridge? The story of Vimy Ridge is begging to become a film in the vein of Saving Private Ryan. C'mon Canada. Celebrate the red and white. Make a movie about Vimy Ridge.
On November 11, 2004, I wrote this.
Canadian forces played a very significant role in one of the key massive offensives launched by the Allies in WWI. On Easter Monday, April 9, 1917, the Canadian Corps, four divisions strong and fighting together for the first time, attacked the German army posted on the gently rising slope of land that dominated the Douai plains in the Arras sector of northern France. It was known as Vimy Ridge.
This victory was the seedbed of Canadian identity. We were asked to capture Vimy Ridge, and we did. We did it by working together, Canadian heart can never be over estimated. It was this moment that solidified a very young country.
Visit the Veterans Affairs Canada page on the capture of Vimy Ridge and view photos and video footage. Lest we forget.
Today, I'd just like to say thanks.
