The Canadian War Museum is marking the Battle of Vimy Ridge Centenary with upgrades to its existing Vimy display, and a special 100th anniversary exhibition, Vimy – Beyond the Battle.
“A significant testament to the grit and determination of Canadian troops, over the past century, Vimy Ridge has taken on almost mythic stature,” says Stephen Quick, the Museum’s Director General.
“Through these two exhibitions, and a range of other activities at the War Museum, visitors have the opportunity to learn not only the battle itself, but the light it shines upon traditions of remembrance and commemoration in this country.”
The renewed Battle of Vimy Ridge section goes ‘into greater depth than ever before’, the Museum says, to examine all aspects of the battle – from strategic planning and field preparations to the experience of combat – which led to the loss and injury of over 10,200 Canadians between April 9 and 12, 1917.
The display also explores the importance of training and aerial reconnaissance and the ultimate importance of the battle within the broader context of the First World War in 1917.
Context
Over the past century, Canadians have remembered and commemorated the Battle of Vimy Ridge in many different ways, and for many different reasons, the Canadian War Museum points out.
‘Vimy – Beyond the Battle’ uses the Battle of Vimy Ridge as a starting point to shed light on how and why we commemorate, by exploring private and collective memories of the battle itself, the First World War, and more recent conflicts.’
Both exhibitions opened to the public at the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, on 6 April 2017. ‘Vimy – Beyond the Battle’, developed by the Museum with the support of John and Elizabeth Irving, will be displayed until 12 November 2017.
On Sunday April 9, the anniversary of the start of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, admission to the Museum will be free. For more information and a list of activities, please visit Canadian War Museum/Vimy100.
Also in Centenary News:
Witness – Fields of Battle Through Canadian Eyes, a touring exhibition of war art from the Canadian War Museum is on display at the Musée des beaux-arts, Arras, until June 2017.
Source: Canadian War Museum
Images © Canadian War Museum, George Metcalf Archival Collection CWM 19920085-214 O.1321
Posted by: CN Editorial Team