Miranda BrumwellThe land currently laying across from the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France will be home to the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park.
A hundred Centennial Trees, grown from the Vimy Oak acorn that fell from a European Oak during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, will grace the lands of the park. Commemorative Vimy Oaks are available for purchase to plant in Canada. Each tree costs $1000 and a portion of the proceeds from each tree sold, support the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park and education programs of the Vimy Foundation.
The four acres of land has been cleared of all UXO (unexploded ordinance). The French contractor, SNB Colas France, has started the construction phase of the project. The completed park will be unveiled during Remembrance Week 2018. This falls in line with the Centennial of the Armistice.
Both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have provided donations of a Centennial Bench to honour the memory of their residents who fought at Vimy Ridge, including those who passed through both provinces to travel overseas during the First World War. The memorial benches offer a quiet space for reflection, honour, and remembrance for the visitors of Vimy Ridge.
In addition to the Vimy Oaks and Centennial Benches, a flagpole will stand tall amongst the Vimy Oaks and proudly fly the Canadian flag. The flagpole has been sponsored by Molson Coors in memory of Captain Percival Molson, M.C. Captain Percival Molson passed away on July 5, 1917, when he was shot by a German howitzer during fighting at Avion, near Vimy Ridge.
Donations are also being accepted to help preserve the memory of those lost during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. For more information on how you can donate to the foundation, visit their website here.
