100 years ago on this day, Canadian soldiers set out for the impossible task of taking Vimy Ridge from the German forces. For years the French and British had tried and failed to take back the ridge. We did it in 3 days. But in those 3 days of battle we took heavy casualties. Thousands of brave men would be unable to see the light of day ever again as hundreds more would be wounded on the field of battle. After those three days of intense fighting, we had established ourselves as a nation not to be underestimated. We had established our place in history as victors of the impossible. And to commemorate that glorious and bloody battle, a massive memorial was built in not only our nations honour, but in honour of all the brave men who perished fighting for our freedom in the war to end all wars. 100 years later we remember those who lost their lives to achieve greatness, and to show our pride and determination not only as a nation, but as a people.

100 years on, we will never forget the sacrifice of those who fought and died, so that we may live. Although they may not have known what state of the world we live in today, they still served their country and the world proudly. So to all I say, thank you. And may we never forget...