HERITAGE OTTAWA

This weekend, as we mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, we remember the efforts and sacrifices of all those who served during the First World War.

In Ottawa, Canadians are invited to an evening of remembrance at the National War Memorial on Saturday, April 8, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm, including a candlelight tribute, an illumination, musical performances an overnight vigil led by the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. During the ceremony, the public will be invited to help place 3,598 candles at the base of the Memorial, in memory of each of the Canadian lives lost during the four-day battle. 

On Sunday, April 9 beginning at 8:30 am, a commemorative ceremony at the National War Memorial will mark the 100th anniversary of the first day of Battle. The ceremony will begin with sentries posted at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as part of the National Sentry Program, followed by musical and theatrical performances, and an Indigenous smudging ceremony.

The signature commemorative ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France will be live-broadcast on Sunday morning beginning at 10 am. A delegation led by the Government of Canada will be in attendance, along with thousands of Canadians, French and other citizens who registered far in advance to be there. During the weekend, the Governor General of Canada will speak at the opening of the new Vimy Visitor Education Centre at the Memorial site—a project supported by the Vimy Foundation, the Government of Canada, and Canadians across the country which will help ensure that Vimy, and what it represents for Canada, will never be forgotten.

Admission to the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa will be free on Sunday, April 9 from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. The Musuem has opened two new exhibitions marking the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Free tours of exhibit highlights will be offered throughout the day along with talks and other special events. Visitors can join together at the Museum to watch the live broadcast of the commemorative ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, in Englsih or French, beginning at 9:30 am. For more information, visit the Canadian War Museum website.

On Sunday evening, the Friends of the Canadian War Museum invite you to attend a commemoration of Vimy in words and music. The Unknown Soldier, composed and directed by Canadian Andrew Ager and featuring soloists Gary Dahl and Lucy Van Oldenbarneveld, takes place at the Canadian War Museum's LeBreton Gallery. For more information and tickets to this event, visit the Vimy Foundation website.