The Okotoks Legion Branch 291 held its annual ceremony on April 11 for Birth of a Nation Day.
Birth of a Nation Day, marking Canada’s victory taking Vimy Ridge in northern France, April 9-12, 1917, where British and French troops could not, is largely held as the day Canada became its own country.
For veterans like Legion branch founder Malcolm Hughes, marking the day is a must.
“Remembrance isn’t just November,” he said in an interview following the ceremony, which was distanced and limited to 10 participants.
“It’s certainly important to hold a ceremony in remembrance of our fallen and those that have gone before us."
An estimated 3,600 Canadians were killed in the battle.
For the Legion members, even having a small distanced ceremony was important to mark the day, said branch president John MacCormack.
“Our primary concern is taking care of our veterans that are still alive and obviously honouring those that have gone before us,”he said.
Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson, who laid a wreath on behalf of the Town, also echoed the importance.
“This is very important to recognize Birth of a Nation,” Robertson said.
“It’s certainly far smaller than it has been in the past, but it’s still very significant."
Legion members Bev Lee and Ron England were present to honour family members who fought at Vimy.
Lee’s great uncle Private George Strath fought at Vimy, as did England’s great-grandfather, Samuel Eldridge. Strath died April 30, 1917, and Eldridge six days later on May 5.
(Some information courtesy of The Canadian Encyclopedia)
