Canadian National Vimy Memorial
Canadian National Vimy Memorial, War memorial in Givenchy-en-Gohelle, France.
Description
The memorial is a war monument in Givenchy-en-Gohelle in northern France, built from white limestone and concrete on a raised platform. Two tall pylons rise above the base, surrounded by stone figures that show human forms in quiet poses.
History
The monument was built starting in 1925 and completed in 1936 to honor the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Architect Walter Allward designed it after a competition, and construction took more than a decade to finish.
Culture
The carved names on the walls recall the Canadian soldiers without known graves, while visitors can walk between the stone figures that represent grief and hope. Many Canadians come here to honor their ancestors, and the quiet between the sculptures creates a sense of personal connection.
Practical
Access to the grounds is free and pathways are well maintained, suitable for wheelchairs. A visitor center offers information about the battle and displays objects from the period, while you can explore the reconstructed trenches and tunnels.
Did you know?
The land where the monument stands belongs permanently to Canada, even though it sits geographically in France. France transferred the site to Canada in 1922 as a sign of gratitude for the efforts in the First World War.
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Across France, you'll find places dedicated to World War I that tell the story of what happened between 1914 and 1918. These are not just buildings or collections—they are where the war actually took place. You can visit monuments that stand on former battlefields, walk through military cemeteries...
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