“So, this right here is Vimy Ridge,” air cadet Michael Batas told a group of fellow teenagers Thursday.
Batas was guiding them over a giant map of the famous First World War battlefield at The Military Museums in Calgary.
Showing them some coloured cones, Batas explained, “they actually represent the four Canadian divisions.
“This was the first time that Canada actually fought as a nation abroad.”
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The teens were taking part of an event launching the “Spirit of Vimy” contest.
It invites Albertans ages 14 to 24 years old to create a video to coincide with next year’s 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge.
Launching the initiative, Lieutenant-Governor Lois Mitchell told the crowd discovering history is “the best way to learn about who we are today and what we can achieve in the future.”
“We think of the courage and what they had to go through,” Mitchell said while touring an exhibit. “I’ve been to Vimy Ridge and it is unbelievable.”
READ MORE: Cadets from across Alberta mark the 99th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
She hopes the strength shown there will inspire young Canadians a century later.
“Understanding what it is that Vimy Ridge stood for–that particular victory defined Canada.”
Recalling his visit to the battlefield last year, 17-year-old Batas said he was struck by the young ages of those involved.
“They were as young as 15 years of age, so when I got to walk there…it was one of the most moving experiences of my entire life. And I think it’s something a lot of people our age should really know a lot more about.”
The “Spirit of Vimy” contest runs until next February, with the winner earning a trip to Vimy Ridge.
More information is available at www.SpiritOfVimy.ca.
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