OTTAWA – The federal government has set aside a special day to honor Canadians who served in the First World War.
Vimy Ridge Day will be held Friday, April 9, at the National War Memorial, Veterans Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn announced Tuesday.
Speaking at the Vimy Gallery at the Canadian War Museum, Blackburn said the ceremony will honour First World War Canadian service men and women and pay tribute to their achievements and contributions.
The announcement follows the death of Canada’s last known First World War veteran, John Babcock, who died Feb. 18 at the age of 109.
"While we have lost our last direct link to the First World War, we will continue to encourage young Canadians to remember and understand our proud military history and heritage," said Blackburn.
Other ceremonies of remembrance will be held across Canada and at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France and the Canada Memorial at Green Park in London.
There will also be special books of reflection available for members of the public to sign. The books are to be on display at locations across the country, including Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, the War Museum and each provincial legislature.
- Alcohol sales in Canada just saw ‘largest’ annual drop since tracking began
- ‘A foreign policy based on short memory’: Carney continues push to diversify from the U.S.
- Alberta’s premier consulting on scrapping clock changes, prefers more light at night
- ‘Downturn diet’? The crunch on fast food chains as consumers seek deals
-
![]()
‘Everybody was cheering’: Canadians return home from Middle East as war rages in region -
![]()
Mi’kmaw leaders condemn RCMP activity after several raids of First Nation storefronts -
![]()
Community groups urge New Brunswickers to run for local office ahead of upcoming municipal elections -
![]()
Halifax officials look to police and fire services for possible cuts ahead of municipal budget
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.