“It is not titles that honour men, but men that honour titles” – Niccolo Machiavelli

A Vimy Ridge Moment

Approaching Vimy Ridge you see the Canadian and France flag flying high beside each other, then just beyond there it is the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. I’ve made the pilgrimage, I’m in awe, with each step closer you start to realize the names of our fallen are chiseled into the stone at this point I’m overwhelmed.

I spent a good amount of time exploring the grandeur of Sculptor Walter Allwards masterpiece taking in the moment. Looking up and out towards the battle field where so many made the ultimate sacrifice I read the quote below.

“This monument was built by the people of Canada as a tribute to their countrymen who fought in the Great War and, particularly, to the more than 66,000 men who gave their lives.“

This is sacred ground even Adolf Hitler understood its importance and protected it during WW2. While other nations WW1 monuments were desecrated and destroyed during the Nazi occupation of France Vimy was left untouched because it is a monument to peace, not a celebration of war.

It’s said the bravery and honor that the Canadians fought with during the Battle of Vimy was the birth of our nation our coming out moment at the global international stage. It’s important to not allow the freedom that we fought for to ever go in vain, pessimism is easy to accept, thinking the worst almost a default for many, however after visiting the Vimy Memorial my resolve and outlook of optimism has never been greater, despite the fear and anxiety gripping the world we must not forget to look up and out and keep moving forward with the bravery and courage of our ancestors following each step.

Map of Battle Death–“Body Density Map”, 1918