The Citizen, 2007-04-12, Page 2By Jo-Ann McDonald
A milestone of history was
celebrated this week with the
rededication of the Canadian
National Vimy Memorial, that was
designed by Canadian sculptor
Walter S. Allward and unveiled in
1936, and the celebration of the 90th
anniversary of the Battle of Vimy
Ridge.
Veteran’s Affairs of Canada led
the restoration project of Allward’s
masterpiece, after nearly 70 years of
the extreme Atlantic climate had
decayed the limestone masonry and
had encrusted lime scale over the
many names inscribed on the base of
the memorial. The names of 11,825
Canadian service personnel who
were posted as “missing, presumed
dead” in France during the First
World War will be clearly visible
again.
The memorial stands on Hill 145,
and is Canada’s greatest overseas
tribute to those who served.
The battle of Vimy Ridge began
Easter Monday April 9, 1917 at 5:30
a.m. when the Canadian infantry
began its advance preceded by non-
stop Allied artillery barrage, that
was so thick and fierce, it obliterated
everything in its path. A north-west
wind was driving sleet and snow
into the faces of the enemies
positioned on the crest known as
Vimy Ridge.
This marked the start of the
massive ground assault by the
Canadian Corps on a strategically
important German stronghold, that
had withstood assaults previously by
the French and British. A tactical
change by the Canadians, forming
its companies into four platoons,
each with four sections and each
employing fire and movement. The
Canadian Corps was well trained,
well led and driven by a
commitment to learning the new
tactics that was a change for the
better.
Preparations included intense
training and rehearsals of the
battalions roles, again and again.
Timing for the four-stage attack to
move the 4,000 yards was
meticulously planned. Also needed
for the attack was huge quantities of
food, water, ammunition, medical
supplies and everything else that the
100,000 men of the Canadian Corps
and their 50,000 animals required to
be amassed, stored and moved
forward when the time was ready.
A system of tramways moved
supplies into tunnels dug by the
Corps 5 tunneling companies.
Equipped with lighting, telephones
and water, the tunnels sheltered
many of the troops during the build
up for the attack.
As mentioned in my last article,
the History Channel aired a special,
From Heaven to Hell, The Battle of
Vimy Ridge last Sunday and showed
the extensive tunnels of the ridge.
The artillery barrage was constant
with 40,000 rounds fired on April 9
alone. The advance that was to take
eight hours, took three days, and
produced the greatest 4,500-yard
advance by the Allies and resulted in
the capture of the high ground of
Vimy Ridge, the major feature of the
Douai Plain of northern France,
which gave a view of the greatest
swath of German held territory.
The Canadian Corps suffered
10,602 casualties in the Vimy battle
including 3,958 dead. It was a great
victory achieved by the army of a
Nation just becoming aware of its
nationality. The men of the
Canadian Corps were without peer,
victorious in the knowledge that
they were as a good as they wanted
to believe they were.
Canadians at home were proud of
their sons and that their country was
truly special.
A pilgrimage of an estimated
10,000 Canadians joined thousands
of French citizens at the
rededication of the monument of
Vimy Ridge to mark the 90th
anniversary of the Battle. Some of
those attending were students from
Exeter high school, teachers and
parents. Twenty-four young people
researched soldiers of the Exter area
who fought in France. Among these
students is Marilyn McDonald’s
grandson, Tim Dionne and his father
Rob.
They were very excited about the
trip and the history they were about
to experience and witness and be
part of.
As quoted by Veteran’s Affairs
Minister Greg Thompson “(This)
will be an opportunity for all of us to
remember and honour the brave
Canadians who helped shape our
nation”.
Remembrance Day is not the only
time for Canadians to stop and
remember the sacrifices of the many
Canadian soldiers who fought and
PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2007.
Ah snow to celebrate Easter.
Where, oh where, did that sunshine
and warmth go.
The poor robins continue to sing
and go about their lives knee deep in
snow.
While the adventures of the Easter
Bunny were a little less than ideal,
the eggs were delivered in good
form.
No wonder spring is a favourite
season with such optimism in the
air. Easter is one of those
celebrations that the weather really
doesn’t matter much. The festivities
must and do go on.
As at Christmas, church
attendance blossoms as the
significance of the season surfaces.
For families worshipping together
Easter is very special. To have
the pews full gives hope that
the message of new life is still
relevant.Dinners were shared as family andfriends gathered. Coming togethershows each other the importance ofshared love and community. Good times made, shared andremembered are what keepconnections good.And so kids were home for the
weekend and siblings gathered to
recollect the events that have been
their lives since Christmas.
Moments of thanksgiving were
shared as favourite foods were
prepared and demolished in every
short order if your home was like
ours. Who would have it any other
way?
I’ve decided that the butterflies
that often represent Easter and
spring itself are portrayed in the life
and growth of grandchildren. The
many stages of growth and
development and the uniqueness of
each character are definitely akin to
the life cycle of the butterfly.
What a joy and wonder to watch
each one.
So as spring tries again to
arrive, take time to wait, watch and
wonder at each miracle that you
witness.
Enjoy life, it’s yours.
Bye now, Betty G.W.
Flipping
The Sunday school students of Melville Presybterian
Church hosted an Easter breakfast prior to the service on
Sunday. Brody TenPas showed finesse in the pancake
department. (Vicky Bremner photo)
At the Branch
Remembering Vimy Ridge
NEWS
FROM BRUSSELS
By BettyGraberWatsonCall 887-6236
887-9231
A NOTE FROM BETTY
Last Day To Register
April 18th
Anytime at the BMG Community Centre
Please bring 2 cheques and if this is your first registration
please bring a copy of the child’s birth certificate.
Any questions please call A.S.A.P.
Tanya McArter at 519-887-9003
or Melissa Jacklin at 519-887-6632
Brussels Minor
Baseball
Looking To Make Some Extra Money?
We are in need of Umpires
Clinic dates are set up for the end
of April and throughout May
16 and over for Level 1 Umpire
(14 and 15 year olds also needed)
Brussels Legion 218
Saturday, April 14
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
with all the fixin’s
Adults $12.00
Children $6.00
Preschool Free
Brussels Optimist Club
Annual Dinner
& Auction
On Saturday, April 21
The Brussels Optimists will be holding their
Annual Dinner & Auction
at the B.M. & G. Community Centre
Tickets available from any Optimist Member
or call 519-887-6502.
To donate items contact any Optimist Member.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Continued on page 7
WINGHAM & DISTRICT HOSPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
“Excellence in Rural Health Care”
The Wingham and District Hospital is implementing an electronic health record within
the hospital and neighbouring physician clinics in Wingham, Lucknow and Teeswater.
An electronic health record (EHR) is used to document, organize, view and communi-
cate patient information. The EHR is secure and provides physicians with critical
patient information that is accessible anytime and anywhere.
Diagnostic Imaging has finished installing “iSite”, which is the new digital image stor-
age system. Now, xrays and ultrasounds can be viewed by doctors at any computer in
the hospital, from their offices, or from home, with a high speed connection. This also
means the radiologist can read the images from either site, which gives a faster turn
around time for reports. Images can also be put onto cd’s to send with patients to other
centres.
Visiting hours are 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. daily. If you are ill, please do not visit our
patients.
ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD
DIGITAL DIAGONOSTIC IMAGING
Phone: 357-3210 Fax: 357-2931 Website: www.lwha.ca
REMINDER TO VISITORS
Patricia Beuermann
Registered Massage Therapist
and Kinesiologist
80 McDonald Drive,
Brussels
Phone: 519-887-8246
Cell.: 519-531-0238