We went for two walks today. The day was sunny with partial cloud in the morning and clear blue skies in the afternoon. The wind carried a chill, though, so extra layers were necessary. It was nice to see drier air return and the precipitation leave. In the late morning we walked around the neighbourhood. By late afternoon, we headed out to a local park for a walk around the trail. Both outings showed us some wonderful spring flower patches showing and great treed areas.
Today marks the 106th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge in France during World War I. The land where this took place was given to Canada by France on which to build memorial. The battle lasted four days. Fighting occurred in a muddy field covered in huge depressions cause by mortar fire. Some of those depressions exist today, though the fields are greener than they were on the cold, snowy Easter Monday morning when the battle began. Today Canada marks the men killed and wounded during this battle, which has been recognized as a key point in time for nationhood. For the first time, Canadian regiments fought side by side along a lengthy area of the front. The Canadians proved themselves here and were seen as more than troops of the Empire.
I've been particularly interested in this battle since I wrote a report about it in Grade 7 or 8. It was not part of our text books but I had read about it in a magazine and wanted others to know about it. Also, my maternal grandfather fought in that battle. He came home unlike countless other men. The song I share today has a strong celtic folk sound. The singer is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Keep safe. Enjoy!
Vimy Ridge -- LIzzy Hoyt
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