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Gear up to honor and remember one of Canada's most significant military victories on Vimy Ridge Day, observed every April 9. This day commemorates the Battle of Vimy Ridge during World War I, where Canadian forces successfully captured a ridge that had been previously deemed untakeable by other Allied forces. It was a turning point for Canada's role in the war and is still recognized as a defining moment in our nation's history. On this day, we pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for our country, and celebrate Canada's strength and unity as a nation.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1917</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Battle of Vimy Ridge</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Battle of Vimy Ridge took place, a significant victory for Canadian forces during World War I.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1922</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Land for Vimy Memorial</div><div class='timeline-text'>France grants Canada 100 hectares of land at Vimy to build a memorial.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1936</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Vimy Ridge Memorial Unveiled</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Canadian National Vimy Memorial, honoring those who fought at Vimy, was unveiled in France.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Vimy Ridge Day Proclaimed</div><div class='timeline-text'>Canadian Heritage Minister Sheila Copps proclaims April 9 as Vimy Ridge Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Official Vimy Ridge Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first official commemoration of Vimy Ridge Day took place, beginning an annual tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Vimy Centennial Anniversary</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge was commemorated with special ceremonies.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a war memorial</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>On Vimy Ridge Day, take the time to visit a nearby war memorial and pay your respects to the soldiers who fought and lost their lives during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary or film about Vimy Ridge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many documentaries and films that have been made about the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Take this day to learn more about the history and significance of this important event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Read a book about Vimy Ridge</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Expand your knowledge about Vimy Ridge by reading a book written by a historian or a first-hand account from a soldier who fought in the battle. It will give you a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made during this important moment in Canadian history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a commemorative event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns hold commemorative events on Vimy Ridge Day to honor and remember the soldiers who fought. Attend one of these events to show your support and gratitude.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a veterans' charity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of Vimy Ridge Day, consider donating to a charity that supports veterans or their families. This is a meaningful way to pay tribute to those who have served our country.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates a significant battle in Canadian history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Vimy Ridge Day is a day to remember and honor the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in World War I. This battle was seen as a turning point for Canada as it showcased their bravery and military expertise, solidifying their role as an independent nation on the world stage.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It teaches us about the importance of remembrance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Vimy Ridge Day serves as a reminder that freedom comes at a cost and that we must never forget the sacrifices of those who have fought and continue to fight for our country. It encourages us to reflect on our history and appreciate the freedoms we have today.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings Canadians together in solidarity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Vimy Ridge Day, communities across Canada come together to pay tribute to fallen soldiers and show support for veterans. It is a day that unites us as Canadians and reminds us of the importance of standing together in times of adversity. </p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Vimy Ridge was a strategic high ground</h3><p class='facts-content'>Vimy Ridge was a valuable strategic location during World War I because it provided a clear sightline into enemy territory. Its capture was essential for the overall success of Allied forces.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Canadian Corps trained extensively for the battle</h3><p class='facts-content'>Before the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Canadian Corps spent weeks rehearsing their attack on a full-scale replica of the ridge, which contributed to their success in capturing it.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Four Canadians won the Victoria Cross for their bravery at Vimy Ridge</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Victoria Cross, the highest military honor for gallantry in the British Commonwealth, was awarded to four Canadians for their heroic actions during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The vimy tree: A symbol of regrowth and resilience</h3><p class='facts-content'>Soldiers brought back a handful of acorns from an English oak tree that had survived the battle. These acorns were planted and the descendants of these trees now grow at sites across Canada, including the Canadian War Museum.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Vimy Memorial includes a tomb to an unknown soldier</h3><p class='facts-content'>The beautiful and poignant Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France features a tomb dedicated to the memory of an unknown Canadian soldier who died during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.</p></div></div>
Vimy Ridge Day is celebrated on April 9 every year. In 2024 Vimy Ridge Day will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Apr 9
Sunday
2024
Apr 9
Tuesday
2025
Apr 9
Wednesday
2026
Apr 9
Thursday
2027
Apr 9
Friday
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