TORONTO, April 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To commemorate the 95th anniversary of the First World War Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Veterans Affairs, will attend an event organized by Explorica, an educational travel company for Canadian students and teachers. The event will take place at the Wellington Quarry in Arras, France on April 9, 2012.
Commemorative Ceremony
Explorica, the leader in creating Canadian war history tours, is taking students from across Canada to France for the 95th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Before proceeding to the official ceremonies, Explorica student groups will begin at the Wellington Quarry, where they will tour the very tunnels used by soldiers, create tokens of thanks, and receive a visit and address from the Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Steven Blaney.
"Our Government commends Explorica Canada for organizing educational tours such as this one, offering amazing opportunities for our nation's youth to experience Canada's history and heritage," says Minister Blaney. "I am extremely honoured to share this moment with our students as we continue Canada's important tradition of commemorating our military history."
The Minister will tour the quarry with the students and accompany them as they create memorials to place at the graves of soldiers. He will then address the group at a ceremony where students will read poems, sing, and lay wreaths in honour of the four Canadian divisions that fought at Vimy Ridge.
The Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Wellington Quarry
One of the most pivotal battles in Canadian history, Vimy Ridge marked the first time Canadian troops from all over the country had come together to fight as a single unit. And the battle, with its image of national unity, achievement, and sacrifice, has long been understood to be the event that defined Canada's national identity.
The engagement itself was a part of the Battle of Arras, a British-led military operation, in which Canadian troops took on German forces in a four-day, tour-de-force offensive that secured the northern high ground. A key tactical feature of the battle was the use of underground tunnels to reach and surprise the German lines. The Wellington Quarry was a long-forgotten site unearthed and extended by British forces to create an impressive underground network that included a hospital, a church, ammunition storage, and room for 20,000 men.
About Veterans Affairs Canada
For more information on Veterans Affairs Canada's programs and services or to learn more about Canada's contribution to the Battle of Vimy Ridge during the First World War, visit the Veterans Affairs Canada website at veterans.gc.ca.
About Explorica, Inc.
Founded in 2000, Explorica Educational Travel creates educational tours that connect students to new cultures, languages and people. Through Explorica's use of exclusive online tools, they help teachers create tours uniquely suited to provide both the best value and the most customized, authentic tour experiences. For more information, call 1.888.378.8845, visit Explorica's website, join Explorica on Facebook or follow Explorica on Twitter.
Contact: Sonia Tailor
1-888-378-8845 x240
stailor@explorica.ca
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