Canadians across the country took time out of their busy lives on November 11th to stop and pay tribute to and remember those who came before us who fought to keep Canada safe and free. We remember those who helped shape it into the thriving, peace-keeping nation it is today.

Many people from all over Humboldt and area came out to St. Augustine Parish in Humboldt on Saturday for the moving service dedicated to Remembrance.

The ceremony paid tribute to all of Canada's fallen heroes, veterans, and members currently serving in the armed forces, with a special focus on the centennial anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Vimy solidified Canada as a nation, bringing all four Canadian Corps together for the first time in history.

Heidi Phillips, a teacher at Humboldt Collegiate Institute, recalls her experience in her recent pilgrimage to the monument during this notable year in Canada's history and says by visiting Vimy,

"(it)makes one realize how important Canada was to the war effort."

"In 1922, the French government gifted to Canada the 107 hectares of Vimy Ridge and the land surrounding it. On the site, a memorial was created to stand as a reminder of the 11, 285 Canadian soldiers whose final resting place is unknown".

Phillips reminded the community of the significance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge to all Canadians.

"Due to the sacrifice made by thousands of Canadians, Vimy has become a symbol of Canadian pride." 

Phillips also captivated the crowd with her emotional and heartfelt presentation about the impact her grandfather and his involvement in the first World War had on her. Phillips says she never had a chance to meet her grandfather, but hearing wartime stories and anecdotes about him from family, helped her learn more about this courageous man.

Phillips implored the audience to keep the following in mind, as she concluded her speech:


"So today, April 9th, and every day, I ask you to take a minute and give thanks to the brave men and women who have given so much so that we can live in this amazing, free country."


Rev. Al Hingley, the Branch Padre of the Royal Canadian Legion in Humboldt, led the service and also reminded the attendees of how significant this year is in Canadian history. He noted the 150th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada as a nation, the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and that Canada is recognizing

"the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, and now this month, this week, the battle of Passchendaele, where our soldiers fought in rain and waist-deep mud".

He continues thoughtfully,

"..and we lost many of them. Lest we forget...."

"We REMEMBER."