​Legion holds Vimy Ridge Day ceremony at Kincardine Cemetery

Members of the Kincardine Legion commemorated the Canadian victory during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in the First World War, with a ceremony Tuesday morning, at the Kincardine Cemetery.

In the spring of 1917, the Canadian Corps received orders to attack Vimy Ridge – a strong German defensive position in France that many thought impenetrable. From April 9-12, the Canadian Corps attacked the ridge and succeeded in capturing the position in the face of stiff opposition.

The Legion ceremony marked Vimy Ridge Day at the cemetery, acknowledging the veterans buried there.

Sergeant-at-arms Kirk Rutledge called the orders for two Colour Parties, one at each set of flag poles on the west side of the cemetery, to march up and connect the Canadian and Legion flags to the ropes. The flags were raised during the playing of “O Canada,” followed by a benediction by Legion chaplain Rev. Eric Williams.

In his prayer for peace in this world, Williams called on us all to remember that day, April 9, 1917, when our country became a nation.

“We must pray for peace amidst the many wars and conflict today,” he said. “And pray for those who have the power over war and peace in this world.”

At the playing of “Last Post,” the flags were lowered to half-mast, and the group observed two minutes of silence, before the Colour Parties marched off and were dismissed.

Forming one Colour Party, were John Farrell and Mike Dupuis, while the other Colour Party included Robert Grey and Kevin Martin.

More than 10,500 Canadian troops were killed or wounded in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

July 26, 1936, the Vimy Memorial was unveiled by King Edward VIII. During the ceremony, Canada’s minister of justice, Ernest Lapointe, reflected on Vimy’s enduring legacy and the monument’s meaning.

“The grandest tribute we could offer to Canadian soldiers is to affirm that their sacrifices have contributed to the introduction into our civilization of its highest modern conception – that of universal peace founded on recognition of the basic right of people to life and justice.”



Kincardine Legion Colour Party members John Farrell (left) and Mike Dupuis raise the Legion and Canadian flags at the Vimy Ridge Day ceremony, Tuesday morning, at the Kincardine Cemetery