CAROL HUGHES HONOURS VIMY RIDGE HEROES AT ELLIOT LAKE CEREMONY
MP Carol Hughes, Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing
ELLIOT LAKE, ON – New Democrat MP Carol Hughes joined other dignitaries today at the Elliot Lake cenotaph for the National Day of Remembrance ceremony honouring Canadians who fell during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in World War I.
The ceremony, an important occasion for branches of the Legion across Canada, is especially so in Elliot Lake, as local Legion member Bob Manuel was instrumental in establishing the Day of Remembrance. Mr. Manuel spoke today, calling for the inclusion of the Day of Remembrance on all calendars.
Vimy Ridge, a four-day battle which began April 9, 1917, was tremendously important to Canadians, marking the first occasion on which all units of Canada’s armed forces fought together during WWI. The valour of Canadian soldiers, and their victory at Vimy Ridge, was celebrated in Canada, leading to a new sense of Canadian patriotism, but it came at a terrible cost, as 10,602 Canadians were killed or wounded during the battle.
“As we commemorate the 94th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge, we remember and pay tribute to all those who have served, and those who continue to serve in our military. We owe them a debt of gratitude.” said Hughes, seeking re-election in Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing. “The recent death of Corporal Yannick Scherrer, the 155th soldier to die in Afghanistan, reminds us of the great sacrifices these brave men and women make each and every day as they serve our country.”
