Today marks the 102nd anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

On this day 102 years ago, the Battle of Vimy Ridge raged on the faraway battlefields of France. As the centennial of the monumental battle has come and gone, Canadians remember the importance as a critical turning point in World War I, but also as a defining moment for a fledgling country.

Over 650,000 Canadian soldiers participated in the war. Of those, approximately 4,000 Canadians lost their lives in the Battle of Vimy Ridge

There is a need to remember the day and the lasting effect the Canadian contribution has had on the world stage, "By remembering it every year, we are remembering not only Vimy Ridge and the people who participated at the battle, but we are also remembering the First World War and the effects the War had on Canada. Honouring the day recognizes the importance of the event in modern history."

At a time, when Canada was recognized as a British dominion, the courage and the sacrifice of these men not only turned the tide of the war, but they established a ground-breaking identity for a nation. Canada's active engagement in peacekeeping and diplomatic efforts throughout the world would find its origins in that battle.