Veterans gathered yesterday at the National War Memorial to mark what is arguably the most important military anniversary in Canadian history.
For Betty Brown, who spent four years in the army as a nurse’s assistant during the Second World War, the Battle of Vimy Ridge is a defining moment in Canadian history.
“It is a very important day,” she said. “It is when Canada truly became a nation. I am very, very proud to be a part of all this today.”
Brown laid two wreaths, and rose a third time to leave her poppy on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Veterans and dignitaries all laid wreaths, including Glebe Collegiate Student Jessica Metuzals, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Youth of Canada. Last summer, the Vimy scholarship winner travelled to England and France for the 90th anniversary celebrations. The experience taught her about the terrible impact war has on a nation, Metuzals said.
Greg Thompson, minister of veterans affairs, and Colonel Jean-Michel Verney, defence attache from the Embassy of France, joined veterans of the Second World War, Korean War to lay wreaths Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
