News

Why We Remember

Date published:

November 3, 2023

The Vimy Foundation’s tagline is ‘Building the future, informed by the past’, but what does that really mean? For me, remembrance and citizenship are intimately entwined. Being an informed citizen means attempting to understand and recognise the past of society of which you are a part. The act of remembering, of thinking of the human lives changed irrevocably by war, is my responsibility as a citizen. 

This also encompasses the complexity of remembrance; it is not easy and it raises uncomfortable questions . Who is remembered? How are they remembered? Why do we do this? War is one of the worst things humans can inflict on one another. It brings out our best and worst qualities, usually at the same time, and usually in ways that after the fact are hard to understand. 

One of our Beaverbrook Vimy Prize recipients, Sacha, wrote after the program this year ‘There's one image that keeps running through my mind every time I go to a place of remembrance: I imagine all those people, soldiers, nurses or civilians standing in front of me. It's the sight of all those lives sacrificed that makes me realise how important peace is in the world. And yet it remains fragile, even if wars change, it is still men, women and people who lose their lives.  We need to restore peace where it doesn't exist and preserve it where it does.’ 

I think Sacha outlines the crucial point in remembrance. Remembering is a responsibility. It is for us to remember those people and what war cost them, and in the difficult times in our world, keep that vision of humanity firmly fixed in our minds. Lest we forget. 

Caitlin Bailey is the Executive Director of the Vimy Foundation.

Image Credit: Canadian troops returning from the trenches pass pack mules. They are loaded with ammunition and are heading to the guns, Nov 1916. Canada. Dept. of National Defence/Library and Archives Canada/a000913-v8

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This handcrafted pin dish, created exclusively for the Vimy Foundation, features the image of a poppy—an enduring symbol of remembrance. Designed and hand-thrown by acclaimed Canadian sculptor Christian Corbet, each ceramic piece is a limited edition. Ideal for holding pins, jewelry, or small keepsakes, the dish is both functional and commemorative. A meaningful addition to any collection, it pays tribute to the legacy of those who served. Hand-thrown ceramic Features original poppy design by Christian Corbet Approximately 8.5 cm wide Made in Canada Limited edition

Limited Edition Poppy Pin Dish by Christian Corbet

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⚠️ Please note: This item is not sold or shipped by the Vimy Foundation and is only available through the Gentleman Rogue website. 👉 Please visit their site to purchase directly from Gentleman Rogue. https://gentlemanrogue.ca/collections/rogue-defender-1/Pocket-Squares This elegant silk scarf from Gentleman Rogue’s Rogue Defender Series pays tribute to the courage and legacy of those who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Designed with the colours of the four Canadian divisions that served together for the first time during the 1917 offensive, the scarf blends historical symbolism with timeless style. 100% Silk
Part of the Rogue Defender Series
20% of proceeds from this item are donated directly to the Vimy Foundation

Gentleman Rogue Silk Scarf – Rogue Defender Series

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Dogs have been used in war for centuries worldwide. Their duties have ranged from pulling carts, sentries, scouts, messengers, as mascots, rat catchers in the trenches, search and rescue, bomb detectors and first aid dogs. Countless stories of incredible heroic acts performed by these animals have been told throughout the First World War and beyond. Dogs continue to be put to work in military service to this day as their role expands to include service animals for veterans. The Vimy Foundation partnered with Dog Hair INCluded (Montreal) to design these quality and durable bandanas featuring our Vimy Plaid. Honor those four-legged friends who also helped shape our history with this rugged and stylish pet bandana.

Vimy Foundation Pet Bandana

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