Battle of Vimy Ridge Remembered

RCMP officer Sylvain Miron stands in front of the Canadian memorial on April 9 in Vimy, France, during the commemoration ceremony marking the 95th anniversary of the epic Vimy battle during World War I. A total of 3,598 Canadian Corps troops were killed and 7,004 wounded over four days of fighting as they seized control of the ridge from German soldiers. “The four divisions of the Canadian Corps captured much more than a hill that day,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in a statement marking the occasion. “Their remarkable victory helped create a new and stronger sense of Canadian identity here at home. They showed the world the strength and fortitude of our young country as well as our unwavering commitment to defending peace and freedom.” Governor General David Johnston and Veterans Affairs Minister Steven Blaney travelled to Vimy for the commemoration ceremony, which was also attended by Queen Elizabeth II. (Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty Images)