Royal Canadian Legion Branch #78 - Turner Valley

(Page 6)

 Birth of a Nation
 Submitted by Gordon Day

The annual Birth of a Nation parade and ceremonies will again be held in Turner Valley on April 9th honouring the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The parade will form up near the Turner Valley Fire Station and continue down Main Street to the Legion, where the ceremonies will be held. This year, the Resolution to have this day honoured as a nationally recognized day will be presented by two veterans to the Member of Parliament. Area community mayors have been invited to arrive with letters of support to also be presented to the Prime Minister. ....


There has been positive support from the communities, most of which have declared the 9th of April as Birth of a Nation Day.

The 9th of April is a most important day in the history of Canada and most worthy of recognition and honour. It was a cool Easter Monday when, for the first time, Canadian troops acted independently and captured the almost impenetrable six and a half mile ridge in France where a German stronghold defied all assaults. With careful planning, courage, training and determination, the Canadians captured the Ridge taking more land, prisoners and armament than ever taken by a military force.

The taking of Vimy Ridge cleared any notion of the Germans taking over Europe, destroying any future plans of German occupation of Europe. The successful operation gained the Canadians the respect of the world and were, and are still, considered one of the most effective fighting forces.
The then Prime Minister, Robert Borden, declared that Canada, remaining loyal to the Crown and Empire, would be a dominion unto itself and over its land, people, waters and foreign operations. This was the Birth of a Nation.

An appeal is being made to make the Ninth of April a Nationally recognized day in honour and recognition of the taking of Vimy Ridge, the freeing of Europe and honouring the casualties. Birth of a Nation Day is perhaps the most important day in the history of Canada. Canadians should be aware of its significance and it is vital that our students be taught its value in our schools.

All communities in Alberta have been encouraged to recognize this day and to have flags flown in every residence and business. It is time that Canadians show their pride and respect.