Canadians across the country gathered in their respective cities to remember the soldiers who fought for Canada at the Battle of Vimy Ridge during the First World War.
The four-day battle for the ridge began on April 9, 100 years ago.
READ MORE: Vimy Ridge memorials taking place across Canada
In Montreal, Mayor Denis Coderre and Côte-des-Neiges-Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Mayor Russell Copeman held an inauguration ceremony in the newly renamed Place de Vimy in the borough’s Notre-Dame-de-Grâce Park.
“The new ‘Place de Vimy’ we’re inaugurating today further adds to the solemnity of the site and immortalizes our duty of remembrance on behalf of those young men who made the ultimate sacrifice. This place speaks to our collective commitment and to Montréal’s pledge to forever honour the memory of its heroes,” Coderre said in a news release, ahead of the inauguration.
READ MORE: Vimy Ridge: WWI turning point and ‘nation-building’ moment for Canada? A myth, historians say
Brigadier-General Hercule Gosselin, commander of the 2ndCanadian Division and the Joint Task Force East, and several other dignitaries, were also present for the ceremony.
Gosselin said the new space was a tribute to all those who served their country.
READ MORE: Justin Trudeau visits France for 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge
“This place attests to the glory of Vimy, but also to the sacrifice of all those who suffered during the war. Take inspiration, brothers in arms, veterans and military families, in this mark of respect offered to us today,” he said.
Copeman expressed hope the new memorial site, in addition to commemorating the courage of Canadian soldiers, would also afford users a moment of peace and serenity.
WATCH BELOW: A new exhibit at the Royal Montreal Regiment (RMR) museum details the actions of RMR soldiers who fought at Vimy.
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