The Canadian National Vimy Memorial honours those who served at Vimy Ridge and the thousands who never returned home.
Each year on April 9, the National Association of Federal Retirees pauses to mark Vimy Ridge Day — a moment to reflect on one of the most defining events in Canadian military history.
The soldiers who climbed Vimy Ridge in April 1917 came from cities, towns and farms across Canada. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together as one formation under Canadian leadership. Together, they accomplished in four days what years of Allied efforts had not. Their victory came at a profound cost; more than 10,000 Canadians were killed or wounded.
We pause to remember those who gave their lives on that ridge in northern France, and to reflect on what their sacrifice has meant for Canada. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial stands today as a tribute to those who served, to the 11,285 Canadian soldiers killed in France with no known graves, and as a reminder that the freedoms we cherish were secured through immense courage and loss.
As an association representing current and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCMP, Federal Retirees recognizes the deep and lasting bonds of service and sacrifice. Through ongoing advocacy in support of veterans’ well-being, we work to ensure that Canada honours its obligations to those who have served — in war, in peacekeeping and in the daily commitment to this country — while they are wearing the uniform and long after their retirement.
On Vimy Ridge Day, we invite all Canadians to take a moment to reflect on this defining chapter in our history, and on the values of service, commitment and country that continue to shape Canada today.