We’re publishing this post on April 9th, Vimy Ridge Day. In 2003, the Government of Canada declared April 9 to be “Vimy Ridge Day”, to honour and remember the Battle of Vimy Ridge which took place during the First World War at Vimy Ridge, France, in 1917.
As Canadians, a visit to the Vimy Memorial on the site of the battle near Arras, France is something that we’ve had on our list of things to do for a long time. We’ll make that visit, as well as seeing some WW II sites in Normandy, on our “Barcelona to Berlin” trip. And oddly, it’s like visiting a small piece of Canada while in Europe, since France ceded to Canada the perpetual use of a portion of land on Vimy Ridge on the understanding that Canada use the land to establish a battlefield park and memorial: the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. The Vimy Memorial is one of only two National Historic Sites of Canada located outside the country, the other being the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in Normandy (which we also hope to visit).
The Battle of Vimy Ridge has reached mythic status for Canadians. A great explanation as to why can be found in this Maclean’s article. The site of the battle (and the present day Vimy Memorial), was deemed significant enough for Google to include it on Google Maps Street View; you can read about why and how it was mapped just before the 100th anniversary of the battle here.
We got some tips on visiting the Vimy Memorial from an AI chatbot; you can read those below. But more practical advice comes directly from the Government of Canada department, Veterans Affairs Canada: www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/memorials/overseas/first-world-war/france/vimy/visit
The meaning of the Vimy Memorial:
Sculptor Walter S. Allward (1874–1955) described his idea for the project as:
…a sermon in stone against the futility of war.
In a statement read on behalf of Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King at the Vimy dedication, Canada asked that the nations of Europe strive to obliterate whatever makes for war and death because:
…a world at peace, Canada believes, is the only memorial worthy of the valour and the sacrifice of all who gave their lives in the Great War.
Above quotes from the Globe and Mail www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-vimy-memorial-still-has-a-powerful-message-100-years-later/
AI Travel Consultation for the Vimy Memorial
After our success using an AI driven travel consultant on our last trip (the Arabian Peninsula), we’ve repeated the experiment for one of the destinations on our upcoming “Barcelona to Berlin” itinerary, the Vimy Memorial near Arras, France. Read what he/she/they/it had to say below.
Tell us about the Vimy Memorial in France.
The Vimy Memorial is a war memorial in France that commemorates the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Canadian soldiers who fought and died during World War I. The memorial is located on Hill 145, the highest point of Vimy Ridge, near the town of Arras in northern France. It was designed by Canadian sculptor and architect Walter Seymour Allward and unveiled on July 26, 1936. The memorial features two pylons, each over 100 feet tall, that are connected by a series of arches. The pylons are adorned with figures that represent peace, truth, justice, and knowledge, while the arches feature sculptures of Canadian soldiers, including a depiction of a mother mourning the loss of her son. The memorial also includes a large central hall that features the names of the 11,285 Canadian soldiers who died in France during World War I and have no known graves.
Why only Canadian soldiers?
The Vimy Memorial specifically commemorates the Canadian soldiers who fought and died in the Battle of Vimy Ridge during World War I. The battle, which took place on April 9, 1917, was a significant victory for the Canadian Corps, and is considered to be a defining moment in Canadian history and national identity. The memorial was designed to honour the memory of the Canadians who fought and died in this battle, as well as all Canadian soldiers who lost their lives during World War I and have no known graves. It is a symbol of Canada’s sacrifice and contributions to the war effort and a tribute to the memory of the fallen soldiers.
How should we visit the Vimy Memorial?
Visiting the Vimy Memorial can be a meaningful and educational experience. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your visit:
- Plan ahead: Make sure to plan your visit in advance, as the memorial is located in a rural area and may take some time to reach.
- Wear comfortable shoes: The memorial is located on a hill, and there is a lot of walking involved, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Allow enough time: The memorial is quite large and there is a lot to see, so allow yourself enough time to explore and take it all in.
- Read the information provided: The memorial includes many sculptures and inscriptions that provide information about the battle and the soldiers who fought in it. Take the time to read and understand the information provided.
- Reflect and pay your respect: The memorial is a place of remembrance and respect. Take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by the soldiers and pay your respects to those who lost their lives.
- Guided tours can be available, and if you are interested, you could check if any are available to enhance your visit.
- Consider visiting other WWI sites: The area around Vimy Ridge is rich in WWI history and there are many other sites nearby such as the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial and the Lochnagar Crater.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit the Vimy Memorial depends on your preferences and schedule. However, here are a few things to consider:
- Weather: Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit the memorial as the weather is typically milder and more pleasant. However, be prepared for some inclement weather, as it can get quite chilly and windy on the hill, especially in the colder months.
- Crowds: The memorial can get quite busy during the peak tourist season (from May to September) and on national holidays. If you prefer a quieter visit, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April or October) when the crowds are smaller.
- Commemorative events: The Battle of Vimy Ridge is commemorated on April 9th each year, this can be a very busy day and is an opportunity to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers.
- Light & Sound Show: From April to September, the Vimy Memorial is the site of a light and sound show, which tells the story of the battle and provides a unique perspective on the memorial.
Ultimately, the best time to visit the Vimy Memorial is when it works best for you. Keep in mind that the memorial is open all year round and you can visit it at any time.
chat.openai.com