Saskatoon will mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of Vimy Ridge on Sunday with a series of events.
Beginning at 10:45 a.m. CT, people will gather at the Vimy Memorial Bandshell in Kiwanis Memorial Park for a colour party parade, speeches and wreath-laying.
“The Legion was formed by Vimy veterans and First World War veterans, so it would be a shame to let this opportunity pass,” said Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63 president John Davidson.
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Following the ceremony at the bandshell, a light lunch will be served, accompanied by a memorabilia presentation in the legion at 606 Spadina Cres. W.
Between April 9-12, 1917, Canadians fought successfully for a seven-kilometre ridge in northern France.
Regiments from Saskatoon, Regina and Moose Jaw participated in the battle that cost 3,598 Canadian lives.
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At 1 p.m. on Sunday, two new exhibits will be unveiled at the University of Saskatchewan‘s (U of S) Diefenbaker Canada Centre.
One exhibit produced in-house looks at the war’s impact on the U of S, while the other is a travelling exhibition from the Canadian War Museum focusing specifically on Vimy Ridge.
“This is the first battle that we consider a huge success that all Canadians had been able to get behind,” said Erin Isaac, museum docent with the Diefenbaker Canada Centre.
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At 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 9 Mile Legacy Brewing Company will host a presentation from U of S historian Bill Waiser.
Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the brewery with all proceeds going to a Royal Canadian Legion initiative helping homeless veterans.
Veterans will receive free admission to the event.
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