Vimy
April 2017 marked the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Army's successful capture of Vimy Ridge, in France. While the overall strategic importance of the victory is open to debate, from that moment onwards, Canadians viewed themselves as a nation - not a self-governing colony. Britain and the rest of the world agreed.
The Port Moody Station Museum decided to mark the 100th anniversary of Vimy by arranging for a replica Sopwith Camel to be on static display. The public was also invited to tour the replica trench system that the museum built several years ago.
I was really struck by the replica trench system, even though it was not new. It has been well documented that living conditions in the trenches were horrific, with mud, fecal waste, vermin and stench. When I imagined Canadian soldiers "going over the top" in such conditions, I appreciated their accomplishment even more.
Read MoreThe Port Moody Station Museum decided to mark the 100th anniversary of Vimy by arranging for a replica Sopwith Camel to be on static display. The public was also invited to tour the replica trench system that the museum built several years ago.
I was really struck by the replica trench system, even though it was not new. It has been well documented that living conditions in the trenches were horrific, with mud, fecal waste, vermin and stench. When I imagined Canadian soldiers "going over the top" in such conditions, I appreciated their accomplishment even more.
