Liberal Statement on the Anniversary of Vimy Ridge

April 9, 2013

CHARLOTTETOWN– Liberal Veterans Affairs critic Sean Casey made the following statement today on the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge:

“This week marks the 96th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, where Canadian soldiers successfully stormed the German fortifications in France, marking an irreversible shift in the tide of the Great War. As Brigadier-General Alexander Ross would later say, ‘in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation.’

While the victory at Vimy Ridge is widely regarded as a symbolic step in the birth and independence of our Canadian nation, it came at a heavy price; over 10,000 of our soldiers were wounded, including 3,598 who lost their lives on the battlefield. These Canadians were young, idealistic and willing to serve, but all too soon were forced to confront the brutality of war.

Today and every day, we express our eternal appreciation to our brave servicewomen and men and their families. Let us renew our commitment to support all veterans and never forget their brave sacrifice.”