A Time of Remembrance:
Lest We
Forget
By: Rachael B., Student Reporter

This
year, Loretto Abbey took part in Remembrance Day ceremonies by selling poppies
to students and teachers, standing for a moment of silence, and having our
student cadets leading the school through a special liturgy.
In
honor of Remembrance Day, let us commemorate one of the bloodiest battles in
Canada’s wartime history, one that Canadian soldiers were able to win in spite
of the horrendous conditions, and played a major role in establishing Canada as
its own nation: The Battle of Passchendale.
The
Battle of Passchendaele, which this year celebrated its 100th anniversary,
began on July 31, 1917 and lasted until November 10, 1917. The commander in
charge of leading the Canadian troops to victory was Canadian Commander
Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie. The Canadian Corps joined the battle with the
commencement of phase one on October 26th, which included the “creeping
barrage” tactic. This resulted in the capture of the first targets by October
27th. The village of Passchendaele was then apprehended due to further effort
on October 30th and November 6th. The last of the German forces had been pushed
from the Passchendaele ridge by November 10th, which allowed Canadian forces to
capture the ridge and declare victory.
The
Battle of Passchendaele is said to have been the bloodiest and one of the most
important battles in Canada’s history. This is because, even with horrendous
conditions, soldiers showed tremendous amounts of resilience, courage, and
unwavering dedication towards their cause, until their very last breath. 16,404
brave Canadian soldiers lost their lives in this battle.
What
Canadians sacrificed and accomplished as a result of the battle of Passchendaele
helped our nation to gain global recognition and augmented our Country’s honour
by showing that Canada’s military was one of the greatest combative forces on
the Western Front. Additionally, the Battle of Passchendaele helped Canada earn
a distinct signature on the Rreaty of Versailles that officially ended World
War.
This
is only one of the many battles in Canada’s wartime history that shows how
vital it is to remember the soldiers who have sacrificed and continue to
sacrifice their lives for our freedom. As a sign of respect, wear a poppy
throughout the month of November to remember all the soldiers who have fought
in honour of our country. “Lest We Forget”.