This collection of writing and research is by the Confederation Centre Youth Chorus in response to their recent trip to the newly-restored Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.   The 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge occurred April 9th of this year; members of the Confederation Centre Youth Chorus had the honour of performing at this dedication ceremony as well as other events commemorating this occasion.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge, which began on April 9, 1917, marked the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps went into battle together. During the battle, the Canadians troops accomplished what other allied forces could not – the capture of Vimy Ridge. More than 10,000 Canadian troops were casualties of the battle, 3,598 of which were fatal.  Nearly 620,000 Canadian men and women served in the First World War, of whom more than 66,000 were killed. Of those who returned to Canada, only two survive today.

The Chorus and Donald Fraser, choir director, would like to thank Veterans Affairs for their financial support.