Canadian forces played a very significant role in one of the key massive offensives launched by the Allies in WWI. On 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, 97 years ago today.
It will be an absolute honour to have a son born on this day. I can't wait to meet him.
