Henry P.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

It was the first time the four divisions of Canadian Corps fought together. Identified Canada as a nation. France donated a section of Vimy Ridge for a memorial for the contributions the Canadians made, The Canadian National Vimy Memorial stands today with the names of the soldiers who lost their lives. Thanks to one soldier collecting acorns from oak trees destroyed on Vimy Ridge and planting them home in Canada, The Vimy Oaks repatriations project allowed the saplings from these trees to be transplanted in the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park. November 11th, 2018 marks the 100th year anniversary of the end of WWI.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was fought by the Canadian Corps, they were successful where others had failed. We suffered 3,598 deaths and 7,000 wounded. There were 4 Victoria cross recipients.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Thanks to the soldiers who fought, and in some cases lost their lives, we are able to enjoy a better life. I hope we never see another World War.