Centennial Park

As a centennial project to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge as well as the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the Vimy Foundation has created the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park, adjacent to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in northern France. This 4 acre commemorative park complements the surrounding area and will be a reflective space for visitors to Vimy. Built on private farmland purchased by the Vimy Foundation, the land has required extensive demining and preparation prior to creation of the park.

On November 9, 2018, two days before the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, the Vimy Foundation opened the gates to a modern living memorial in commemoration of the centenary of the armistice of the First World War. Read the full release about the Opening of the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park by clicking here.

 

** There are still ongoing opportunities to be involved in supporting the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park. A very limited number of Centennial Trees (Vimy Oaks) are still available. Scroll down for more information on the various ways you can support this living memorial.**

 

Photos from the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park – October 2020
Vimy Foundation Centennial Park - October 2020 || Le Parc du centenaire de la Fondation Vimy

 

PARK DESIGN & KEY ELEMENTS

The Vimy Foundation Centennial Park is designed as a place for reflection about the role Canada played in the First World War and an opportunity to honour the Great War generation. All elements of the park have been carefully chosen. Design by Linda Dicaire, Landscape Architect.

VIMY OAKS

The Centennial Park features 100 Centennial Trees dedicated to Canadians. The repatriated Vimy Oaks (Read more about the Vimy Oaks here) commemorate the living spirit of those who fought and testify to the intimate relationship between people and nature even in the most tragic circumstances. The four rows of trees in the centre circle commemorate the four Canadian divisions that participated in the battle in 1917.

Each Centennial Tree is available for $10,000 and will feature the donor’s name on the Centennial Park plaque. Proceeds will support Vimy Centennial Park and education programs of the Vimy Foundation. *Limited number of Centennial trees remain*

On October 29, 2018, French children from the nearby town of Givenchy-en-Gohelle assisted with the planting of the Vimy Oaks at the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park. Thank you for your help! Click here to view the photos.

THE RIDGE: TO VENERATE A BURIED HISTORY

The Vimy Foundation, to commemorate the legacy of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, created The Ridge: To Venerate A Buried History. This water feature was commissioned after a competition with entrants from Canada’s leading design universities. The winning team combined the talents of three Thesis Level Masters of Architecture students from Carleton University: Scott Normand, Kevin Complido, and Brendan Dyck. In their proposal, the team states:

The intention driving the project is for this theoretical interaction to be tranquil and thought-provoking and for it to reinforce the dialogue of peace and remembrance.

 

CENTENNIAL BENCHES

The paths through the Centennial Park create a unique perspective of the Vimy Memorial, surrounded by Vimy Oaks. Centennial benches, placed throughout the park, provide an opportunity for gathering, dialogue, and extended reflection, all essential elements to conflict resolution and peace that the monument inspires. Scroll down for the list of Centennial Bench donors. Proceeds will support Vimy Centennial Park and education programs of the Vimy Foundation.

 

 

THE BUGLER MEMORIAL SCULPTURE

Camp Borden was founded in 1916, training nearly fifty thousand soldiers for service in The Canadian Expeditionary Force. For many of those soldiers, their first action was during the Battle of Arras, and specifically the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The Memorial Sculpture of the Bugler is generously provided by CFB Borden. The Memorial Sculpture of the Bugler, designed by the Canadian artist Marlene Hilton Moore, invites visitors to reflect on moments one hundred years earlier, as the bugle call rang out at the dawn of morning of April 9, 1917, and again on November 11, 1918 at the beginning of peace. A twin Bugler is installed at CFB Borden in the Borden Legacy Park, calling to the now-empty trenches that once trained soldiers before they left for battle overseas.  Read more about the Borden Legacy Park here, created for the centennial anniversary of the establishment of Base Borden.

CENTENNIAL PARK FLAGPOLE

Standing tall like the Vimy Oaks around it, the Canadian flag flies proudly. The flagpole is sponsored by Molson Coors, in memory of Captain Percival Molson, M.C. On July 5, 1917, Captain Percival Molson, MC was killed by a German howitzer during fighting at Avion, near Vimy Ridge.  “To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high.”

 

CENTENNIAL PARK SUPPORTERS

 

Vimy Centennial Park Sponsor

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Centennial Flagpole

Proudly sponsored by Molson Coors In memory of Captain Percival Molson, M.C. “To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high.”

Centennial Benches

The Province of Alberta remembers those Albertans who served their country in the First World War, and subsequent wars.

In grateful memory of the men of the 13th, 42nd and 73rd Battalions C.E.F. who valiantly fought here in 1917. En mémoire des hommes du 13e, 42e et 73e bataillons F.E.C. qui se sont vaillamment battues ici en 1917. Perpetuated by / Perpétués par : The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada

10th Battalion Calgary Highlanders “The Fighting 10th”

John and Pattie Cleghorn and Family

 In loving memory of grandfather Pte. Hugh MacDougall, 1/1st Lovat’s Scouts Yeomanry Wounded at Gallipoli, Sept., 1915
Je Suis Prest.
The Graham & Gayle Cooke Foundation Vancouver, Canada

The gift of The Peter Cundill Foundation on behalf of F Peter Cundill 1938-2011; a great Canadian, whose deep understanding of history afforded him a profound appreciation of the valour and the gritty determination displayed by his countrymen at Vimy.

In memory of all soldiers who served and gave their lives for our freedom. Fasken

Karen Girling, Bruce MacLellan, Ally and Sara, in memory of those who served.

In memory of: Donald Wilfred Machum 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles 1895 – 1966 Donald Alexander Machum 1927 – 2007

Hamilton Academy of Medicine in support of Docs on Ice

In dedication to the brave men and women who fought for freedom at Vimy Ridge On behalf of Husky Injection Molding Systems

In memory of their valour and their bravery. The people of Manitoba, Canada will never forget the many who fought and died for our freedom.

Asseyez-vous.
Enjoy the view of freedom they would insist. John Adie RFA 1914-18
Miner Family Canada

Le Nouveau-Brunswick se souvient New Brunswick Remembers
Don de la province du Nouveau-Brunswick Donated by the Province of New Brunswick

The Government of Nova Scotia commemorates Nova Scotians who served, and continue to serve Canada. We shall never forget their service and sacrifice.

The Government of Ontario is proud to pay tribute to the Canadians heroes who bravely fought to preserve our values and freedoms. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.
Le gouvernement de l’Ontario est fier de rendre hommage aux héros canadiens qui ont combattu avec bravoure pour préserver nos valeurs et nos libertés. Nous leur sommes à jamais reconnaissants pour leur service et leurs sacrifices.

Rocky Mountain Rangers
172 Battalion
Kamloops BC Canada
Hon. Lt. Col. T.D.F. Newell

Gift of the Rossy Foundation

In memory of Helen Allen Stacey who connected thousands of needy children with adoptive parents and Col. C.P. Stacey, professor and official historian of the Canadian Army in the Second World War. Remembered by their loving families and friends.

The Vimy Oaks Legacy Corporation

 

Centennial Trees

        • Amelia & Lino Saputo Jr. Foundation
        • Assurant
        • Bain Family, in memory of Pvt William Arthur Wilcox, 15th Bn, lost at Festubert, France May 21, 1915
        • The Boquist Family
        • The Burton Family in memory of Graham Burton
        • The Cadets of the Eastern Arctic. Thank you for your Gift of Freedom.
        • Graham Campbell & Rachel St. John
        • Joseph L. Campbell and Joan Miller-Campbell
        • From the Capern Walimaki Family, in loving memory of our ancestors who sacrificed for us all.
        • The Men and Women of the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service / Les hommes et les femmes du Service de l’aumônerie royale canadienne
        • To honour ARLINGTON CLARKE and the many brave Canadians who fought at Vimy Ridge. The Clarke Family
        • A.Coburn & D.Auringer families in memory of Thomas Wilson, 196th Battalion CEF
        • Costigan family, in memory of Major John Francis Costigan, 50th Battalion infantry. April 4th 1917 Canada.
        • Craig, Debois, Isaacs, Mierins, Tilgner, Warner. Remembering Those Who Sacrificed Their Lives For Ours
        • The Croxon Family
        • In Memory of General Sir Arthur Currie
        • The Dalglish Family
        • Donnelly Automotive Group, Ottawa
        • Robert C. Douglas and Joanne R. Sutherland in Honour of James R. Sutherland Sr. 44th Bn(Manitoba)
        • We remember Jack and Fred Evans, brothers from Parkland, Alberta, who died at the Somme in Nov. 1916
        • Flinker Family
        • Robert Francis
        • The Fraser Family in memory of Frederick Thomas Lodge & John (Jack) Fraser
        • In memory of the brave souls who fought for our freedoms. We owe you immeasurable Gratitude. The Galt Family.
        • Matt and Erin Giffen & Family
        • The Glover Family honours Sergeant Winfred (Fred) Alexander Glover, 21st Battalion, Canadian Infantry
        • Ian & Christie Gray Family, Port Credit Ontario
        • Alan Greenberg, Darcia Rowntree and Families
        • Ken and Dianne Griffith & Family
        • Harold S. Hadley & Claudia J. Kennedy
        • La Municipalité régionale de Halifax est honorée de soutenir le maintien du legs des chênes de Vimy.
        • In memory of Capt Frank Edgar Hamblin, 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles
        • Ainslie Hogan and sons
        • For Brave Valentine, with Love The Hyatt Family
        • Industrial Alliance
        • The MFL Jaques Family, In loving memory of Lieutenant Maurice Alexander Jaques, lost Sept 3, 1916
        • The Kelleher Family in memory of Dr. W.R. Harwood
        • The Kelsall Family In honour of Corporal Samuel Lester Kelsall 58th Battalion 9th MGC 3rd Division
        • Landscape Ontario
        • Nancy MacKellar
        • We will not break faith, nous nous souviendrons. Fergus, Molly & Racheal McCaig
        • The McCook, Leger, and Styner Family
        • In memory of Bill and Joan Livingston
        • Mr. & Mrs. S. Mehta, Mississauga, ON, in memory of our beloved servicemen who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Requiescat in pace.
        • The Mews Family in memory of Lieutenant Henry (Harry) George Reginald Mews
        • Karen Miller and Gerald McDonnell
        • Mike Stollery Automotive Partnerships in honour of Private G. R. Mowforth
        • The Men and Women of Operation Guardian Force who care for and Remember our Veterans
        • The Knights and Dames of the Order of St. George Canada. We Will Remember You.
        • LCol William and Carolyn Patton in memory of LT T.J. Taylor, Cpl R. Anderson, and Pte W. Coolen
        • Barry & Elizabeth A. Peacock, in memory of Robert Charles Peacock
        • Randy & Carolyn Peek & Family
        • Pembcorp Automotive Group
        • In memory of soldiers of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry who paid the supreme sacrifice 9-12 April 1917
        • In memory of Andrew Powell
        • Dedicated on behalf of the No Stone Left Alone Memorial Foundation, to all that rest upon this sacred Canadian land in France.  We encourage all and especially, the world’s youth, to gaze upon its beauty and understand that the oak tree is a symbol of Bravery, Power, Protection and Truth.  Please remember their sacrifices and the strength it took to defend us.  We hope all will make a pledge, when they stand before it, to remember. May they be commemorated forever and our gratitude infinite. Peace be with you. Maureen Bianchini Purvis, Randall Purvis, Sara McNeill, Keely Yates, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
        • Robert Quartermain
        • The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, The Royal Regiment of Canada, and the 48th Highlanders of Canada salute their perpetuated CEF battalions – 3rd, 15th, 58th, 83rd, 92nd, 95th, 123rd, 124th, 134th, 166th, 170th, 198th, 204th and 255th.  We will remember them!
        • The Ritz & Hunt families in memory of Pte Harry Franklin Ritz (78th Bn)
      • Honour – Courage – Sacrifice / Royal Canadian Navy
      • Royal Military Colleges of Canada, Class of 1973. Truth, Duty, Valour / Vérité, Devoir, Vaillance
      • The Shanahan Carriage Company in memory of Lieutenant-Colonel John H. Chipman, MC, VD
      • Shannon Family in loving memory of of our grandfather Wilfrid J. Fagan
      • The family of Pte. Thomas Lloyd Smith – April 27, 1917, Vimy Ridge
      • In loving memory of our angel Barbara (Glica) Sweeney 1957 – 2019. You live in our hearts.
      • TAO Asset Management
      • We will remember them. Forever grateful, the Tattersall family and Heathbridge Capital Management
      • Irene Topits
      • Honouring the sacrifices of University of Toronto students, alumni, faculty and staff.
      • The Vickers Family in memory of Gunner Arthur Vickers and Private Arthur Fordham
      • The Vimy Oaks Legacy Corporation: 23 volunteers provided Vimy trees, Park design & engineering.
      • Courage Remembered – In loving memory of G. Kingsley Ward and Adele E. Ward
      • The Wood Family in memory of Flight Lieutenant John Harvie Wiley
      • The Wyant Family in memory of Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon M. Wyant, OC, CD, QHP
      • Le 22e Régiment, le Régiment de Maisonneuve, les Fusiliers Mont-Royal

       

       

      To purchase a Centennial Tree and support the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park and educations programs, please contact us at info@vimyfoundation.ca or 416.595.1917. кредит