Canada is celebrating its 150th birthday in 2017, but the year also marks the 100th anniversary of a sombre but proud event in Canada’s history.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge, a conflict during the First World War took place on April 9, 1917. Despite the losses incurred, the battled played a key role as a turning point in the war and helped form Canada as an independent country. 

After failed attempts by the British and French forces to take Vimy Ridge, four Canadian units came together and fought alongside the other Allied Forces to help push the Germans back. The Canadians played a key role in achieving this feat. 

A number of events were held around the province over the past few days to mark the occasion and remember the great loss that took place in France 100 years ago, where 3,589 Canadian soldiers died.

41 Canadian regiments fought at Vimy Ridge, including the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada and The Royal Winnipeg Rifles from Winnipeg.

Canadian Force Col. Andy Cook, the Commander of 17 Wing Winnipeg was at the event by the Centotaph on Memorial Boulevard on Sunday, April 9th, 2017 exactly 100 years after the battle happened.  

He said it’s a tragic day, but a battle Canadians will never forget.

“I don’t think anyone can truly understand the sacrifice, but it gives me a great sense of pride that in the last moments that those 3,598 Canadians may have had on the battle field, I doubt that any of them would have thought 100 years later that people would be standing outside on a cold day in Winnipeg honouring their sacrifice, but we are and that is a testament to the Canadian spirit.”