Sudbury ceremony honours those who fought at Vimy Ridge

Sudbury marked the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the First World War battle where thousands of Canadians lost their lives.

Sudbury marked the 108th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge on Wednesday, the First World War battle where thousands of Canadians lost their lives.

Bagpipes began the emotional ceremony to mark Vimy Ridge Day at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 in Sudbury.

“One hundred and eight years ago, four Canadian battalions did with the rest of the Allies could not do-- they actually captured Vimy Ridge that had been lost for years prior to the Germans,” said Gisele Pharand, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 First Vice.

“And this is what we commemorate today.”

Dignitaries, Legion members, Irish Regiment members and cadets took part in the occasion, commemorated by a moment of silence and a wreath-laying ceremony.

Veterans who were in attendance said it’s vital to keep the memories alive of those who sacrificed their lives.

“I joined the Irish Regiment in 1966 and commanded at two different occasions (and) rose through the ranks,” said John Goudreau, a retired colonel and Irish Regiment Past commanding officer.

“It’s an honour for me to attend these functions.”

Christopher Cawte, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 cadet liaison officer, said it’s important that young people participate.

Following in the footsteps

“They are following in the footsteps of those that served in the Armed Forces and laid down their lives,” Cawte said.

“So they’re actually following in their footsteps. And, of course, if they go on to have a career in the Armed Forces, then they always have that in their mind.”

More than 10,000 Canadian soldiers were wounded and 3,600 died during the battle of Vimy Ridge.

Pharand said it’s difficult to determine how many Sudbury soldiers fought in that battle, but her connection to this day is personal.

“My grandfather was there,” she said.

“He was injured, came back to Canada in 1917, I believe it was, or 1918. If he had not come back, I wouldn’t be here because my father was born after the First World War. So, yes, it’s a very special time for me. It’s a time that I take out his picture and we definitely remember our soldiers.”

Pharand said she was pleasantly surprised by the attendance for the ceremony Wednesday, adding numbers like that haven’t been seen since pre-pandemic times.

She said it leaves her hopeful that there will be a high turnout this Remembrance Day, with more people coming out to pay their respects.