Opportunity to Attend 100th Anniversary Ceremony at Vimy on April 9, 2017

vimy

Updated January 18, 2017.

There will be a small group from GNS attending the ceremony. If you would like to join them, you should contact David Godwin (dgodwin@telus.net). Those already planning to attend are staying in or near Arras. Rooms are scarce but you may still be able to find one. In any event, you need to make reservations now if you plan to stay anywhere near Vimy and you need to register with Veteran’s Affairs before February 28, 2017

Continue reading Opportunity to Attend 100th Anniversary Ceremony at Vimy on April 9, 2017

Three Day Vimy Tour Cancelled

As we noted when this possibility was announced, the tour would have to be cancelled if we did not meet the minimum number of registrants by July 1, 2016. Unfortunately, we fell short; so this tour will not be available.

The Reunion Committee will spend the summer looking at possibilities for a one day tour which we hope will attract more interest.

2017 Metz Reunion Plans Advancing

 

Ex Students, Spouses and Guests during walking tour in Metz 2009 Reunion
Ex Students, Spouses and Guests during Metz walking tour in 2009 Reunion

We have put together a 2017 Reunion Home Page collecting together all relevant information on the 2017 Reunion to be held from April 11 to April 14, 2017. We draw your attention in particular to the Program and Registration information.

As you can see, registration will be open in the April 2016 time frame. In the meantime, you can help us with our planning by filling out and submitting our Survey/Pre Registration Form.

Plan to Visit Metz and Vimy in April 2017

404935996_622552abf3On April 9th, 2017, we will pause to remember the sacrifice of ten thousand young Canadians killed and wounded a century ago at Vimy Ridge.

Please join us for as much as you can of this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.  This will be a wonderful opportunity to share a memorable visit to Vimy Ridge and Metz, France the home of RCAF Number 1 Air Division Headquarters  with like minded “children” of RCAF service personnel from the ’50s and ’60s during the 50th anniversary year of the closing of the school in Metz Continue reading Plan to Visit Metz and Vimy in April 2017

2017 Reunion around Vimy 100th Anniversary?

Vimy, FRANCE: Canadian soldiers parade in front of the Canadian memorial, 07 April 2007 in Vimy (northern France), to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge, a painful World War I victory that firmed Canada's national identity. Almost 7.000 Canadians will travel to northern France on 09 April to commemorate the anniversary, that will be led by Canadian Prime minister Stephen Harper and his family, who will honor the memory of Canadian soldiers killed during the battle. A total 3,598 Canadian Corps troops were killed and 7,004 were wounded over four days of fighting as they seized control of the ridge from German soldiers.   AFP PHOTO PHILIPPE HUGUEN (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images)
Vimy, FRANCE: Canadian soldiers parade in front of the Canadian memorial on April 7, 2007 in Vimy ((Photo credit: PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Respond to our Survey if Interested

Back in December, John Tarzwell commented:

Can I suggest, since there seem to be rumblings afoot, some form of reunion (formal or not) scheduled to take place around the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, 9 – 11 April, 2017?
It would permit a number of our group to participate in both events, and I plan to take as many of my family as are vertical, not to say, ambulatory.

God help us all, it’s only a couple of years away…

There has been some interest expressed so now is the time to determine whether the interest (possible attendees as well as organizers) Continue reading 2017 Reunion around Vimy 100th Anniversary?