The Vimy Pilgrimage: The Story Of Canada's Legendary Peacetime Armada Great War Tour Timeline
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As an Ottawa native, it's truly an experience being at the National War Museum or National War Memorial in the city. I implore anyone, if they have the chance, to come to check it out.
Date: 2022-07-19
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Comments and reviews: 19
Robb
Norm, as a Canadian of your generation, I insist that this episode may be your crowning achievement. I lived in the shadow of the memories of my grandparents' and parents'. Your weaving together of the past and the present, including your own family connection to the pilgrimage, was beyond moving. Truthfully, I am just gutted. This, especially, because as you told the story of 1936, I was acutely conscious that three years later our nation would have to answer the bell yet again. You have done a service to future generations.
You have other episodes which vividly tell the story of Canada's victories and tragedies, but this one connects with those of us who feel compelled to ensure the stories and the lessons endure.
Thank you
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Norm, as a Canadian of your generation, I insist that this episode may be your crowning achievement. I lived in the shadow of the memories of my grandparents' and parents'. Your weaving together of the past and the present, including your own family connection to the pilgrimage, was beyond moving. Truthfully, I am just gutted. This, especially, because as you told the story of 1936, I was acutely conscious that three years later our nation would have to answer the bell yet again. You have done a service to future generations.
You have other episodes which vividly tell the story of Canada's victories and tragedies, but this one connects with those of us who feel compelled to ensure the stories and the lessons endure.
Thank you
reply
Andrew
My grandmother told me through tears in her eyes that her mothers biggest regret in life was never being able to go to France and visit her two brothers and first husbands graves. A letter written by my 2x great uncles former commanding officer in regards to his death at Vimy reads in part:
When I go to that part of France, which I plan on doing very soon. I shall write to you about the place where your gallant boy, who was also my dear friend, is sleeping the sleep of the brave. -Yours most sincerely G. F McFarland.
What she would have given to have gone on this pilgrimage I can only imagine.
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My grandmother told me through tears in her eyes that her mothers biggest regret in life was never being able to go to France and visit her two brothers and first husbands graves. A letter written by my 2x great uncles former commanding officer in regards to his death at Vimy reads in part:
When I go to that part of France, which I plan on doing very soon. I shall write to you about the place where your gallant boy, who was also my dear friend, is sleeping the sleep of the brave. -Yours most sincerely G. F McFarland.
What she would have given to have gone on this pilgrimage I can only imagine.
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CassandraH18
I was there for the 90th anniversary rededication in 2007. As the great-granddaughter as a veteran (he didn't have my grandmother until he was in his 50's, and he was in his 30's when he went over, it really hit home how deadly it was. There are craters that could fit a house, the twisting paths and dugouts just barely seemed to offer protection. He came back cursing the red mud of France and swore he would never go back. PTSD wasn't really recognized back then, but I'm sure he had it.
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I was there for the 90th anniversary rededication in 2007. As the great-granddaughter as a veteran (he didn't have my grandmother until he was in his 50's, and he was in his 30's when he went over, it really hit home how deadly it was. There are craters that could fit a house, the twisting paths and dugouts just barely seemed to offer protection. He came back cursing the red mud of France and swore he would never go back. PTSD wasn't really recognized back then, but I'm sure he had it.
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David
my my maternal grandfather and his 2 brothers were in the trenches one brother was killed the other gassed and lost a leg but survived my maternal grandfather survived intact. my father when i was a young boy said shall i tell you why there are so many single women of your grandmothers age; its because all the young men in their youth were killed off, a sombre thought then, we can but salute those very brave boys and remember that freedom we enjoy now was given by the brave of both wars;
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my my maternal grandfather and his 2 brothers were in the trenches one brother was killed the other gassed and lost a leg but survived my maternal grandfather survived intact. my father when i was a young boy said shall i tell you why there are so many single women of your grandmothers age; its because all the young men in their youth were killed off, a sombre thought then, we can but salute those very brave boys and remember that freedom we enjoy now was given by the brave of both wars;
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cj
War! Mankind against Mankind. to think, those who suffered so much and
lost, so much in WW1 would 22 years later have to, give their children to WW2 and
suffer, for many again, the lost of loved ones & friends. Mankind against
Mankind must one day cease. as we all realize we are, all of us, the same.
with the same hopes & dreams, for ourselves & our loved ones.
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War! Mankind against Mankind. to think, those who suffered so much and
lost, so much in WW1 would 22 years later have to, give their children to WW2 and
suffer, for many again, the lost of loved ones & friends. Mankind against
Mankind must one day cease. as we all realize we are, all of us, the same.
with the same hopes & dreams, for ourselves & our loved ones.
reply
Steve
How is it that modern Canada can't seem to distance themselves from the bravery and sacrifice of their young men and women? The country who didn't need to fight but chose to stand up for democracy and freedom throughout the world. Not to gain treasure or territory. Gave their all and sacrificed their future to help people they didn't know.
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How is it that modern Canada can't seem to distance themselves from the bravery and sacrifice of their young men and women? The country who didn't need to fight but chose to stand up for democracy and freedom throughout the world. Not to gain treasure or territory. Gave their all and sacrificed their future to help people they didn't know.
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Andrew
Why do people keep calling it an allied victory that's the lie that helped start the 2nd world war Germany didn't loose WW1 there was an armistice signed that is not a surrender it's an agreement to stop fighting. If you're going to make what I presume is supposed to be an educational documentary then at least attempt to tell the truth.
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Why do people keep calling it an allied victory that's the lie that helped start the 2nd world war Germany didn't loose WW1 there was an armistice signed that is not a surrender it's an agreement to stop fighting. If you're going to make what I presume is supposed to be an educational documentary then at least attempt to tell the truth.
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Sinister
Will Bird has quite the story. As I recall he had gone over with the first contingent in 1914 and somehow miraculously survived the war. Unfortunately, his son wasn't as lucky and was killed in the Second World War. I wonder how many veterans of the first war survived only to lose their sons in the second.
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Will Bird has quite the story. As I recall he had gone over with the first contingent in 1914 and somehow miraculously survived the war. Unfortunately, his son wasn't as lucky and was killed in the Second World War. I wonder how many veterans of the first war survived only to lose their sons in the second.
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Spooker
i think if my dad told me not to walk down howland Ave, i would have said i am not going to avoid going to a place bc so many others lost someone, i'll walk down it, but have head low, out of respect. what a way to live, i get why the dad said it but never live a life to avoid what others think.
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i think if my dad told me not to walk down howland Ave, i would have said i am not going to avoid going to a place bc so many others lost someone, i'll walk down it, but have head low, out of respect. what a way to live, i get why the dad said it but never live a life to avoid what others think.
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Nickie
My Grandpa enlisted in WW1 from Ladysmith, B. C. He fought the Somme and took the Ridge on his 22nd Birthday. He never talk much about it, but calling a truce Xmas Eve was his worse time ( missing new wife & baby), and back to killing at dawn. RIP, to all these brave people. .
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My Grandpa enlisted in WW1 from Ladysmith, B. C. He fought the Somme and took the Ridge on his 22nd Birthday. He never talk much about it, but calling a truce Xmas Eve was his worse time ( missing new wife & baby), and back to killing at dawn. RIP, to all these brave people. .
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Kev
I read an extensive volume on Vimy Ridge years ago and one could not help but admire the Canadian pluck and military innovation. The many modern adaptations in artillery from WW1 were essential in taking Vimy and are still taught in academy's. Very inspirational.
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I read an extensive volume on Vimy Ridge years ago and one could not help but admire the Canadian pluck and military innovation. The many modern adaptations in artillery from WW1 were essential in taking Vimy and are still taught in academy's. Very inspirational.
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Cameron
We have a relative who fought at Vimy, survived and died in 1995. I don't know if he went back in 1936 but he went back in the 80's or early 90's. We have another relative who fought with the 16th at Vimy, he survived but was killed Aug. 8, 1918 at Amiens.
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We have a relative who fought at Vimy, survived and died in 1995. I don't know if he went back in 1936 but he went back in the 80's or early 90's. We have another relative who fought with the 16th at Vimy, he survived but was killed Aug. 8, 1918 at Amiens.
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Varg
Norm Christie is arguably the biggest and greatest voice in canadian war time study. I remember sitting as a kid watching For King & Empire and now entering my 30s I'm still learning and enjoying the vast amount of work this man has done
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Norm Christie is arguably the biggest and greatest voice in canadian war time study. I remember sitting as a kid watching For King & Empire and now entering my 30s I'm still learning and enjoying the vast amount of work this man has done
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ianwilson4286
As a newly retired member of the CAF (37 years) I was proud to see Vimy while stationed in Lahr, Germany. May all those we have lost in all wars rest as their duty is done and their watch is over!
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As a newly retired member of the CAF (37 years) I was proud to see Vimy while stationed in Lahr, Germany. May all those we have lost in all wars rest as their duty is done and their watch is over!
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David
This series of documentaries about the Canadians is so incredibly moving. I do hope that there are more episodes, I'd love to find out if the missing soldiers were found from an earlier episode.
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This series of documentaries about the Canadians is so incredibly moving. I do hope that there are more episodes, I'd love to find out if the missing soldiers were found from an earlier episode.
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education
They come out better then most country's 60k is bad of course but some towns in the UK had no men left to come home. We lost 120k and then the Spanish flu killed twice that
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They come out better then most country's 60k is bad of course but some towns in the UK had no men left to come home. We lost 120k and then the Spanish flu killed twice that
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Cathy
My husband and I joined a tour to Vimy and the Canadian battlefields in 2017. It was a very moving experience. I got to see my grand-uncle's name on the Menin Gate.
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My husband and I joined a tour to Vimy and the Canadian battlefields in 2017. It was a very moving experience. I got to see my grand-uncle's name on the Menin Gate.
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Robert
Thanks to norm and historians like him Canada's brave soldiers and sailors and airmen and not forgetting the nurses their wartime courage must never be forgotten.
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Thanks to norm and historians like him Canada's brave soldiers and sailors and airmen and not forgetting the nurses their wartime courage must never be forgotten.
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education
''Our Happy Land''
History is a great pendulum. when the good and the brave amongst us rise up against tyranny, Lady Justice carries a very sharp blade.
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''Our Happy Land''
History is a great pendulum. when the good and the brave amongst us rise up against tyranny, Lady Justice carries a very sharp blade.
reply
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