Vimy Ridge Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Vimy Ridge Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Vimy Ridge Day is celebrated on April 9th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Vimy Ridge Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you may want to know about Vimy Ridge Day.

📅 What day is Vimy Ridge Day 2024?

In 2024, Vimy Ridge Day is on Sunday, April 9th. It is the 2nd Sunday in April; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can view all the fun details and facts about April 9, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

In Canada, April 9 is observed as “Vimy Ridge Day” to honor and remember the Battle of Vimy Ridge that occurred in France during World War I. This commemoration has been recognized since 2003. As a symbol of respect, the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill’s Peace Tower in Ottawa is lowered to half-mast. Wreath-laying ceremonies take place across the country, including at significant locations such as the Canadian National War Memorial in Ottawa and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.

📜 Vimy Ridge Day History

In April 1917, the Canadian Corps was ordered to occupy Vimy Ridge, a seven-kilometer hill in northern France. This strategic location provided a clear view of the Allied lines. Previous attempts by the French to capture the ridge had failed, resulting in a significant loss of life. The Canadians would now face the daunting task of attacking over a battlefield filled with graves. Prior to the assault, Canadian and British artillery launched a fierce bombardment, inflicting heavy casualties on the German defenders. With the support of over 1,000 artillery pieces, the Canadian infantry would enter the battle with considerable assistance.

During the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together for the first time, displaying immense bravery. On April 9, 1917, around 15,000 soldiers initiated the assault at dawn, advancing under a carefully timed barrage of nearly 1,000 heavy weapons. The majority of the objectives were successfully achieved as planned, and by the afternoon, the Canadians had captured most of the ridge, except for a high position known as “The Pimple,” which remained under enemy control until April 12. By the 12th of April, the Canadians had accomplished their goals and taken 4,000 prisoners. This marked the successful capture of Vimy Ridge. However, this victory came at a high cost, with 3,598 Canadians killed and another 7,000 injured during the four-day battle.

✅ Vimy Ridge Day Facts

🔖 Dream memorial
Canadian artist and architect Walter Seymour Allward constructed the Vimy Memorial, and it is rumored that he shared with his friends the belief that the concept for the monument was revealed to him in a dream.

🔖 The great endeavor
After more than a decade of effort and a hefty budget of $1.5 million, King Edward VIII unveiled it on July 26, 1936. The dedication ceremony took place in the presence of French President Albert Lebrun and a crowd of over 50,000 Canadian and French soldiers along with their families.

🔖 Land for memorial
The French government gave Canada the right to use the land that would later become the Canadian National Vimy Memorial Battlefield Park for the rest of their lives in 1922.

👍 Why Is Vimy Ridge Day Important

Despite the fact that many lives were lost in the conflict, it remains a major historical point in the history of Canadian bravery. It is observed to commemorate the bravery of the soldiers.

Before the war, the Canadian Corps went through extensive training. The corps’ tactics were so effective that they helped win other battles as well.

In order to retake Vimy Ridge, the four Canadian corps fought together under a British alias. This commemorates togetherness!

🙂 How To Observe Vimy Ridge Day

⚡ Lay wreaths
To honor and pay tribute to the brave soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice, wreath-laying ceremonies are organized. These ceremonies serve as a way for community members, veterans, and the public to express their deep respect and remembrance by placing wreaths at the National War Memorial.

⚡ Wear a Vimy pin
Canadians wear Vimy pins on a particular day to remember the battle of Vimy Ridge. The Vimy pin should be placed on the left side of the lapel buttonhole.

⚡ Share your story
During this special day of remembrance, we had the opportunity to exchange our knowledge and stories about the war with others. Let’s seize this moment to raise awareness about the challenges we faced during that time!

📅 When is Vimy Ridge Day?

Explore all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Vimy Ridge Day. So be sure to check back soon.