A cousin of my Grandmother, Frederick McAvay, age 28, was killed at Vimy.

From today's Globe and Mail:

"Ninety-three years ago, at 5:30 a.m., the guns began. By the end of the day, the entire world stood up and took notice. The capture of Vimy Ridge on April 9, 1917, by four Canadian army divisions working in concert as a Canadian corps was a remarkable event in the history of our country. This year, however, Vimy Ridge Day has added significance.

John Babcock’s death in February, at 109 years old, severed Canada’s last living link to the First World War. The modest Mr. Babcock, who spent most of his adult life in the United States, refused the federal government’s offer of a state funeral in his honour. He said he had no wish to glorify war or to elevate his stature above others who served.

Instead of a state funeral, today Vimy Ridge Day will be marked with a ceremony at Ottawa’s National War Memorial called End of an Era. It will mark Mr. Babcock’s passing. In addition, Books of Reflection are available in Ottawa, as well as at provincial and territorial legislatures and certain overseas locations, allowing individual Canadians to record their thoughts on The Great War. These are to be open for signing until Monday, April 12. An online version can be accessed at www.vac-acc.gc.ca

These efforts properly elevate the importance of today’s occasion, but remain respectful of Mr. Babcock’s wishes...."

Morningglory47 - thanks for the reminder of this sombre occasion. I am sure many Fodor's posters and viewers have visited Vimy Ridge and will have tried to grasp the intensity of what the foot soldiers must have experienced in that mud bath.

I am fortunate enough to be able to visit Vimy Ridge next month (May, 2010) with a group of students on a history-based tour of northern Europe. We will all reflect on the sacrifices made during WWI.

tC

Enjoy the trip teacherCanada...why did I think you were heading to Egypt?

Well, we were in Egypt in March 2009 for two weeks. Had a great time. In two weeks we leave for 11 days on a 65th Anniversary of the end of WWII celebration (liberation of Holland etc.). In March 2011 we'll be off on another wonderful adventure in France, Italy and Greece. Stay tuned for further info.

tC

TeacherCanada: In addition to Vimy I would add that Beaumont Hamel is also a must see for anyone interested in First World War battlefield sites. Beaumont Hamel is where the Newfoundland Regiment suffered terrible causualties on the opening day of the Battle of the Somme, July 1, 1916. Here you will find some of the best preserved Western Front trenches. The counterpoint to Vimy is perhaps captured in these words from the Veterans Affairs Canada site:

Afterward, the Divisional Commander was to write of the Newfoundlanders effort: "It was a magnificent display of trained and disciplined valour, and its assault failed of success because dead men can advance no further."

It is also noteworthy that money to purchase the site after the war was raised by ordinary Newfoundlanders.

We were able to visit both Vimy and Beaumont Hamel as a day trip out of Lille.

Gavin - Thank you for your excellent suggestion. We do expect to visit Beaumont Hamel on the same day we visit Vimy. On this particular excursion to Europe I am a very small cog in a large piece of machinery and I don't get to determine too much of the itinerary. I will be a part of 2500 Canadian high school students participating in the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Holland. I owe great thanks to Anselme Adorne and Laverendrye for their sage counsel over the past few months.

If I have the opportunity, I will start a thread on the nature of this educational excursion and upon our return, report on how it worked. I am sure there will be powerfully emotional moments while we travel.

tC