Operation Legacy commemorates 95th anniversary of Vimy Ridge by honouring War Amps Vimy Vets

OTTAWA, April 5, 2012 /CNW/ - On April 1, young members of The War Amps Operation Legacy gathered at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood in Ottawa to commemorate the 95^th anniversary of Vimy Ridge, one of the most important battles of the First World War and considered by many to be the battle that marked Canada's birth as a nation.

The event brought a unique perspective to the commemoration, as Operation Legacy honoured War Amps members who fought at Vimy Ridge - some of whom lost their limbs during the battle. One such amputee was Ethelbert "Curley" Christian, who lost both his arms and legs at Vimy Ridge, and was the only quadruple amputee believed to have survived the First World War.

Operation Legacy is a group of committed members of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program dedicated to preserving Canada's military heritage.  Despite not having experienced war firsthand, they know what it is like to live without a limb, a bond they share with war amputee veterans and will continue to pass on the message of remembrance long into the future.

To mark this anniversary, The War Amps is also re-releasing its internationally award-winning documentary A Vimy Veteran Remembers, which features late war amputee veteran Perce Lemmon. This documentary can be purchased at a cost recovery price of $11.00 by calling toll-free 1 800 250-3030 or visiting waramps.ca.

A film highlighting the commemoration ceremony can be viewed at The War Amps YouTube channel: youtube.com/warampsofcanada and pictures of the ceremony can be viewed at: facebook.com/TheWarAmps.

For media:
B-roll footage of the commemoration ceremony and the battle is available and cleared for broadcast at: ftp://209.226.1.89/

Please use the following login - Username: guest Password: waramps

Photos are available for download at: waramps.ca/newsroom/stock_photos.html

 

Meredith Taylor, Communications Officer, at [phone]