Photographing Vimy Ridge Canadian Memorial

When John and I started planning our trip during Easter break, he told me that he would like to visit the Canadian Memorials for the First and Second World War located in France. We first stopped at Juno Beach on the Normandy where Canadians have had a crucial participation on the D Day. On the next day we drove to the Arras area to Vimy Ridge where the Canadian memorial is dedicated for the brave men that fought the World War One and have no known grave. 

John has both of his grandparents as veterans. We agreed that this was a way that we could pay our respect and thank so many brave men and women that fought and still fight everyday for our freedom. 

Image 1 - Twin pylons represent France and Canada partners in arms  

Vimy Ridge is an impressive memorial. The two towers constructed on the top of the hill can be seen from a distance. The construction took 11 years, and was finished in 1936. The design is the work of the late Canadian sculptor and architect Walter Seymour Allward. The restoration of the site was finalized in 2007. 

Each sculpture has a meaning, and they are beautifully executed. It has been an honor for me to experience this location. 

Image 2 - Mourning Parents: the female

Image 3 - Mourning Parents: the male

Image 4 - Vimy Ridge Memorial

Image 5 - Detail of the grieving expression of the sculpture

Overlooking the battlefield is the largest of the sculptures, a young female called Mother Canada, which is the representation of the young nation mourning her dead.  

Image 6 - Mother Canada mourning her dead

Image 7 - Mother Canada with the stone sarcophagus representing Canada's war dead.

Image 8 - Sympathy of the Canadians for the helpless

While we were there, 2 army planes flew by in some sort of exercise. I got a close up shot of them, but then I tripped going backwards on the hill. Luckily, John was around and captured the planes with the pylons. 

Image 9 - Army planes

Image 10 - John Hewitt's image of the army planes with the pylons

The memorial has a large green area for a walk. However, visitors have to stay in the trails well marked and secured by electric fences. The reason for all this security is the undetonated explosives that are still present from the battle on the fields. 

Image 11 - Security signs 

After the memorial, we have visited two other locations on site, the Cemetery and the Trenches that have been preserved in concrete. The cemetery provides many photo opportunities, especially since it is not as much visited as the trenches. We took our time walking around the rows of grave stones and noticing the very few names or infantry identifications. Many of the soldiers buried there couldn't even have their company's identified. That's the reason in the memorial the walls carry the name of these brave souls.

Image 12 - Canadian Cemetery front gate

Image 13 - Unknown soldier grave stone

Image 14 - Rows of grave stones

While in the cemetery, I have noticed the patters and graphic lines. It was a moment of reflection, grieving and also honouring those that give their lives to make ours better. 

Image 15 - Row of grave stones with Canadian Flags

Image 16 - A moment of reflection, grieving and respect

I am grateful to each individual and their families for their unselfish and brave behaviour. They deserve my utmost respect and admiration. Thank you!