Brenda Fredrickson, Member of the Legion, talked about what is set to take place, "This Sunday, April 9th, is the 100th anniversary of the opening day of Vimy Ridge. In Elrose we are having a couple of opportunities, for commemoration of that event."
The Creeping Barrage began at 5:30AM on April 9th. The Elrose Legion has decided to meet at the cenotaph and stand guard from 5:30 - 6:30AM to honour those who went in to battle that day.
Later in the evening, the Legion will have a second event at the Elrose Composite School. Doors will open 7:00PM and at 7:30PM Legion member Doug Bone will be doing a presentation on Vimy Ridge and what the battle meant for Canada. A candle lit march to the cenotaph for a ceremony of remembrance will follow the presentation.
Approximately 15,000 Canadian soldier participated in the 4 day Battle of Vimy Ridge, with 3,600 losing their life and another 7,000 injured. More than 80 men from the Elrose area served in WWI, with many taking part during Vimy Ridge. Of that 80, Doug Bone was able to research six men. Their names were Lorne Marjerison, Jack Calwell, Ernie Thompson, Frank Showman, George Caverhill, and Harry Chipperfield. Marjerison and Calwell were survivors and made it home after the war. Showman and Chipperfield lost their lives at Vimy Ridge. Thompson lost his life later at Passchendaele. Caverhill lost his life at Amiens.
Brenda Fredrickson was able to find three names on the Vimy Memorial while visiting.
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Fredrickson mentions that everyone in the surrounding communities are more than welcome to come participate, "We felt that with it being the 100th anniversary, that we should take time to sort of explore more about the battle, learn more, and share that with our community."
Thu, May 2, 9:30 AM
