It’s been 105 years since the momentous Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge. While the living memory of the historic battle has passed, we continue to recognize the achievements and sacrifices of those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace.

“I am honoured to be able to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who have worn the uniform—from those who served on the slopes of Vimy Ridge, 105 years ago to our younger Veterans competing at Invictus and all those who served on the numerous missions before then and ever since.”

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

• The Battle of Vimy Ridge began on April 9, 1917. About 100,000 Canadians fought there with more than 10,600 suffering casualties, nearly 3,600 of which were fatal. The Canadian National Vimy Memorial stands as a tribute to all Canadians who served during the First World War. 

• The Juno Beach Centre is a Second World War museum in Normandy, France, that pays homage to the Canadians who lost their lives during the Second World War. The Centre’s mandate is to preserve the legacy of all Canadians who served during the Second World War for future generations. The Centre has been receiving operating funding from Veterans Affairs Canada since 2007. 

• The Invictus Games were established by Harry, Duke of Sussex, in 2014 to give injured and ill service members and Veterans from different countries a chance to come together and compete in a variety of sporting events to inspire and support one another.

Associated links

• Remember Vimy
• Invictus Games
• The future of remembrance in Canada

John Embury
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
john.embury@veterans.gc.ca

Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
media@veterans.gc.ca