A Ridge to Remember This past May I went to one of Canada's most treasured memorials. I walked along bombshell infested grounds picturing all the horror, pain and suffering that took place here some hundred years ago. As I looked around at all the oak trees representing a soldier's final breath, I wondered how many Canadians it took to secure this ridge, Vimy ridge. The memorial stood alone, strong and overshadowed the open field landscape around it. It symbolized a battle that for many helped create our world renowned reputation as a country of peace but one that is more than capable of protecting itself when needed. I imagined all the stories behind each bomb that was fired. Was there a Canadian soldier who's final moment was right where I stood? Did he wish he was at home with his family or was he proud to put his life on the line for a cause he may not fully understand? As I got closer to this truly colossal monument the emotion attached to this historic battleground overcame me as I stepped on the polished white steps of the monument. The power of this monument with the thousands of Canadian names engraved forever helped make their remembrance a permanent one. The statues surrounding the monument with their expression of sadness and loss was very powerful. The unspoken word of these statues made me feel that we should never think of this battle as a win without realizing that it had come at a cost far too great. I felt the weeping woman that stood with her head held low, looking down in sorrow at all the names listed on the outer walls represented the sorrow of many. Each engraved name most certainly had a story. Every engraving represented a soldier from a town, a family, and a future that ended during this historic battle. These soldiers all had one thing in common, the future. A future that was taken from them. Their sense of duty and national pride helped create a future that was far brighter for generations than the future that was cut far too short for them. We must make sure that the lives lost weren't in vain. That love will always prevail over hate. That acceptance will prevail over ignorance. That our country must lead the way for a new understanding of world peace. The pain and loss left behind the death of so many Canadians at Vimy must never be forgotten. I've never felt so proud to be Canadian as I did upon the day I visited this moving memorial site. Vimy Ridge on this day sent me a message. It told me not to celebrate the battle won but to mourn the losses of a nation who paid the ultimate sacrifice for us all. When the war looked hopeless, Canada stepped up and answered the call. We must never forget Vimy because the day we forget is the day that history will repeat itself. www.nb.legion.ca 19 Intermediate Essay Alexandre Comeau, Grade 8 student at Dr. Losier Middle School
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