Vimy Memorial

As soon as you turn onto Rue de Canada near Vimy, France, a bit of patriotism takes over. Then to see the memorial - much larger and grander than one could imagine - and to hear the stories, it’s very sobering. 

The monument to the First World War battle, where Canada had its greatest losses, was built in the 1930s and stands alone on the ridge where the Germans held force until the Canadian assault in 1917.

We also did a tour of the tunnels (the deepest were up to 35 meters underground) and the trenches, some were only 25 meters from the German's trenches. It’s extremely difficult to even imagine the living conditions of the thousands of soldiers that took part in this battle. 

There is also a LEGO replica in the visitors centre. 11,285 pieces. Zoom in to check out the detail.

Monuments like these honour those who sacrificed all, but also highlight the horrors and senselessness of war.  A lesson not easily learned apparently.