Inauguration of Place de Vimy and commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

MONTRÉAL, April 9, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Montréal Mayor Denis Coderre and Côte-des-Neiges‑Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (CDN‑NDG) Mayor Russell Copeman were proud and honoured to highlight the heroism shown by Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Vimy Ridge by inaugurating a memorial place in their honour.

Joining them to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the battle, which took place from April 9 to 12, 1917, were Brigadier-General Hercule Gosselin, Commander of the 2^nd Canadian Division and the Joint Task Force East, and several other dignitaries.

"The new 'Place de Vimy' we're inaugurating today further adds to the solemnity of the site and immortalizes our duty of remembrance on behalf of those young men who made the ultimate sacrifice. This place speaks to our collective commitment and to Montréal's pledge to forever honour the memory of its heroes," said Mayor Coderre. It was in this spirit that the six bronze plaques were unveiled, recalling the historic ties between Montréal and the taking of Vimy Ridge.

Brigadier-General Gosselin praised the decision to pay homage to the Canadian troops by reminding the assembled that the renown of our country's military units was forged by men and women who gave up their lives to serve under our flags. "This place attests to the glory of Vimy, but also to the sacrifice of all those who suffered during the war. Take inspiration, brothers in arms, veterans and military families, in this mark of respect offered to us today," said Brigadier-General Gosselin.

CDN‑NDG Mayor Russell Copeman reiterated that as well as commemorate the courage of Canadian soldiers, the new memorial site at parc Notre-Dame-de-Grâce is meant to give the park's users a place of rest and contemplation: "The reflection and serenity commanded by the Place de Vimy are sure to inspire a sense of calm and beauty among passersby." Mayor Copeman added that the famous poem, In Flanders Fields, will be available in podcast form on the site, thus rounding out the historical experience offered by the Place de Vimy.

With the initial phase now completed, further development work on the site will continue later this summer with the reconstruction of the paths in the southern portion of the park.

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Arrondissement de Côte-des-Neiges - Notre-Dame-de-Grâce

Source: CDN‑NDG Borough; Information: Sophie Paquet, 514 868-4943, Communications Co-ordinator; Marc-André Gosselin, Press Secretary, Office of the Mayor and the Executive Committee, 514 290-1194, Media line: 514 465-1853

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