100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge celebrated in Saskatoon

Hundreds of people embarked on the Vimy Memorial at Saskatoon’s Kiwanis Park to pay their respects to those who fought for our freedom.

April 9, 2017 marks 100 years since the battle of Vimy Ridge in the First World War. 

“Vimy vets created the Legion, so it’d be a shame to not honour them,” President of the Saskatoon Legion, John Davidson said.

“I’m very surprised the number of people who came to celebrate because of the chilly weather.”

Temperatures were below zero and snow struck the ground as 200 people sang out O’Canada. Wreaths were laid by Veterans, Politicians, and other dignitaries.

“I was wounded in Germany, came home in 1945, got my patched up and still here,” 92-year-old Robert Atkinson said, who was a second world war veteran.

“I could tell you numerous stories, but it’s just too chilly to keep standing outside.”

Atkinson, who’s father fought in Vimy Ridge along with four Saskatchewan regiments said the support for veterans is way better than 50-years ago.

“The schools are really pushing history and so are the veteran groups.”

The pipe band led the ceremony into Kiwanis and played the last post.

Things are underway at the Vimy Memorial #yxe pic.twitter.com/WQ35Umocfk

— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) April 9, 2017