Vimy at 100: Newfoundlanders lay wreaths in honour of fallen soldiers at Monchy-le-Preux
Andrew Sampson | CBC News | Posted: April 9, 2017 6:40 PM | Last Updated: April 9, 2017
Ceremony held at National War Memorial in St. John's Sunday
People in St. John's came together on Sunday to remember the sacrifices of soldiers during the battles of Vimy Ridge and Monchy-le-Preux 100 years ago.
Newfoundland and Labrador Lt.-Gov. Frank Fagan led a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial on Duckworth Street and community members, veterans and members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment gathered to pay their respects.
Newfoundland and Labrador Lt.-Gov. Frank Fagan led a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial on Duckworth Street and community members, veterans and members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment gathered to pay their respects.
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Frank Sullivan, president of the provincial branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, said it's important to mark these occasions.
"The battle of Monchy-le-Preux stands out to everyone," he said.
"We made a solemn vow that we would remember them, Lest We Forget, and I think every time we have a ceremony to commemorate these events it brings it into the hearts and souls of our young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and our young Canadians."
Although it may be a lesser-known battle, Monchy-le-Preux is considered a pivotal World War I battle instrumental in helping Canada and the allied forces secure victory.
Veterans Affairs Canada describes the Newfoundland Regiment's losses as "severe," with 460 members killed, including 153 captured.
The village in France is home to one of five bronze caribou monuments commemorating Newfoundland's contributions and sacrifices during World War I.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge began April 9, 1917 and is remembered as one of Canada's significant moments during World War I, ending with Canadian forces successfully capturing Vimy from German forces on April 12, 1917.