Day 3 - 100 -- Vimy Day

Imagine -- cold, dark, wet. Rats running by. Even the heavy wool clothing doesn't add any comfort. As far as you know on either side are men just like you -- stretched out for miles through winding trenches. Then add the anxiety of knowing something horrible is about to happen and you have no choice but to participate and do your best to survive. Hoping against hope that the they'd get the rolling barrage right this time. Sitting in the dark waiting for the dawn to begin the fight to climb the hill and oust those who currently saw it as their own.

Imagine -- 99 years later and that same hill still belongs to Canada -- given by the French government as an historic battle ground and national historic site. A hill that holds heart-wrenching marble sculptures of a nation in mourning. After all, 10,000 casualties happened over the 4 day battle -- 3000 dead and 7000 injured -- and many others mentally scarred for life. But they fought as one -- the first time all four Canadian divisions were side by side through the battle. It was a turning point for the nation -- but at a huge cost.

Imagine -- the war to end all wars yet those hopes have been dashed repeatedly. Yet, even though those who fought 99 years ago have left us, we remember.

Four years ago for the 95th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge, an amazing song was sung in remembrance. I share it here today. It has a celtic feel with a wonderful voice to carry the story. The link includes the lyrics.

Vimy Ridge -- Lizzy Hoyt

Lyrics to Vimy Ridge