Vimy Memorial, France -Hundreds Join Candlelight Vigil In Remembrance of Vimy Ridge Battle

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial is one of Canada's most important overseas war memorials. It was constructed as the national memorial for those Canadians who gave their lives in the First World War. It's located in France, on the site of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The memorial stands atop Hill 145, near the towns of Vimy and Givenchy-en-Gohelle. France deemed the area surrounding the monument, about 1 km², to be Canadian territory in 1922, as an expression of gratitude to the Canadian people for their sacrifice during the war and for capturing Vimy Ridge in April 1917.

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Derek Scott , The Canadian Press Date: Friday Apr. 9, 2010 7:40 AM PT

VANCOUVER — Veterans will gather at the National War Memorial in Ottawa today for a Vimy Ridge Day ceremony commemorating the 93-year anniversary of the battle in France and honouring the service men and women of the First World War. The Queen issued a statement on the anniversary to honour the memory of a "truly remarkable generation." "Theirs was a story of unspeakable horror, unmitigated heroism and ultimately, of inspiring victory," the statement said. "This tremendous sacrifice can rightly be regarded as a defining moment in the history of Canada and is one which we will never forget." And now, said the Queen, "they are gone and all Canadians mourn our collective loss. Yet they will remain forever etched in the hearts of a grateful people and on the pages of our history as symbols of service, honour and dedication."
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Brock Smith  Saturday, April 9, 2011 580 CFRA NEWS:

Today marks the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and to pay tribute to the monumental day many Canadians participated in an overnight candlelight vigil at the National War Memorial. Last year, Canada marked the end of an era on Vimy Ridge Day with the passing of our last First World War Veteran. Youth were then challenged to take up the torch of remembrance, so that the legacy would never fade.  This year, youth have risen to the challenge, turning out at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in droves. Over 450 youth confirmed their attendance before the ceremony, and countless more showed up with the general public. The ceremony recognized the fact that the victory at Vimy is Canada's moment of coming together, but it wasn't without a price - 10,000 causalities, with almost 3,600 giving their lives for our freedom.