A recent poll by Historica Canada found that 82% of respondents failed a 30-question quiz on our nation’s history. Among young people, that number was 88%. This reflects a prominent problem within Canadian society.
As a country, we have historically neglected Canada’s history, particularly our military history. Conflict has been a common theme in our history even before Canada became a nation, but after 1867 it was central to Canada’s evolution.
In 1914, the First World War provided Canada with the chance to make a name for itself on the international stage. Canada contributed beyond its calling; nearly 620,000 Canadians served, with more than 60,000 dead and 172,000 wounded. The First Canadian Division held the line during the first poison gas attack at Ypres in 1915, and the Canadian Corps won its first major victory in 1917, capturing Vimy Ridge.
In 1918, the Canadian Corps won a stunning victory at Amiens, achieving the longest advance of the war since 1915 and inflicting a defeat so costly that it was called the ‘Black Day of the German Army’. Canada was then trusted as the spearhead in the Hundred Days Campaign, assaulting the strongest points on the German line in the long final advance that defeated the German Army. Canada proved itself on the world stage, and its contributions to the First World War exceeded all expectations.
Canada entered the Second World War on Sept. 10, 1939 and was immediately involved in the Battle of the Atlantic before leading a reconnaissance raid on Dieppe in 1942. It was a costly engagement that provided a valuable lesson on the forthcoming amphibious operations. Canadian forces were involved in the invasions of Sicily and Italy, winning crucial victories at Ortona and Ravenna.
They also played a major part in the largest amphibious operation in history, The Operation Overlord invasion of France in 1944. Canadian forces were assigned Juno Beach, and Canadian troops advanced the furthest inland of all Allied forces on D-Day. For a nation of 12 million, standing equal to Britain and America on D-Day was an immense achievement. In fighting around Normandy, Canada faced the highest density of German armour anywhere in Europe. The Canadian forces also led the liberation of Belgium and the Netherlands, advancing into Germany by the end of the war, demonstrating their instrumental role in the defeat of Nazi Germany.
Most countries celebrate the military successes and sacrifices that helped create their modern nation. Why is this lacking in Canada? Our military history has moulded the nation into what we enjoy today. Women’s suffrage, welfare programs, and a strong manufacturing base all emerged from our wartime achievements in the 20th century. We earned a seat on the world stage, establishing ourselves as a highly regarded nation. Despite these successes, the history of Canada’s military efforts is relatively unknown and severely underappreciated.
Forgetting our forebears’ sacrifices for freedom is not only dishonourable, but a dereliction of our duty. The Canadian people, particularly the younger generation, need to understand that the life we enjoy was bought with the blood of our ancestors. Our country blossomed into a modern and sovereign state through accomplishments in war that surpassed the call of duty. We must commit ourselves to remember these accomplishments.
Remembrance Day should be one of the most important events of the year. It symbolizes the immense sacrifice of this country, the service that veterans devoted to their nation, and the great debt we owe them. It is imperative to continue to commemorate Remembrance Day, to acknowledge and remember the almost unfathomable price our ancestors paid for our prosperity. As veteran numbers dwindle, we cannot allow the memory of those heroes to fall into the dustbin of history.
Contributed graphic by Emma Li
