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The Vimy Visitor Education Centre inaugurated in 2017 is the visitor information centre on the Vimy Memorial.
While the Vimy monument itself is of course stunningly beautiful, before April 2017 visitors were given little context at the previous information booth as to why Canadians fought and died there; why Vimy remains special to the Canadian soul; and how Vimy, and other First World War battles at which Canadians fought, forever altered Canada’s status on the world stage. The Vimy Visitor Education Centre located adjacent the Vimy Monument, inaugurated at the Vimy Centennial Celebrations in April 2017 can now will answer these questions.
The Vimy Visitor Education Centre was a project in partnership with Veteran Affairs Canada ($5 million was committed by the Government of Canada in 2013).
The Eaton Walkway in the Vimy Foundation Centennial Park was generously gifted by the Eaton family—through the John C. Eaton and Sally Horsfall Eaton Foundation; the Thor E and Nicole Eaton Family Charitable Foundation; and Frederik Eaton through The Catherine and Fredrik Eaton Charitable Foundation.
Designed by renowned Canadian landscape architect Linda Dicaire, the walkway offers a contemplative path linking the park to the Canadian National Vimy Memorial.
This meaningful addition stands as a tribute to the Eaton family’s enduring legacy in Canada. Their historic contributions during the First World War included funding the Eaton Machine Gun Battery and leading a major relief effort following the catastrophic Halifax Explosion of 1917.
The walkway invites visitors to reflect on courage, sacrifice, and the shared remembrance between Canada and France.
As Pierre Sénéchal, mayor of Givenchy-en-Gohelle, said during the Eaton Walkway’s inauguration:
"The beauty of the Centennial Park is beyond words. Every year, thanks to the remarkable devotion of the Foundation, this space is embellished and enriched, transformed into a living symbol of gratitude and memory. Your work is an ode to the past and a bridge to the future."
The Vimy Foundation would like to thank the following artists, artisans and companies who helped realise this complex project: Ruth Abernethy, Canadigm, Colas Nord-Est, Hauser Industries, LDMD, Marbrerie Vandermarliere, and Research Casting International
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.
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.
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. “To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high.”
This project was made possible thanks to the generous financial, creative and communication engagement of these institutions.
Supporters
Thank you to our generous sponsors whose contributions helped shaped the Centennial Park.
On behalf of Husky Injection Molding Systems
Perpetuated by: The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada
Remembered by their loving families and friends.
The people of Manitoba, Canada will never forget the many who fought and died for our freedom.
in memory of those who served.
Asseyez-vous. Enjoy the view of freedom they would insist. John Adie RFA 1914-18.
Donated by the Province of New Brunswick
We shall never forget their service and sacrifice.
In loving memory of grandfather Pte. Hugh MacDougall, 1/1st Lovat’s Scouts Yeomanry Wounded at Gallipoli, Sept., 1915. Je Suis Prest.
remembers those Albertans who served their country in the First World War, and subsequent wars.
In Memory of Lieutenant Leslie Miller
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.
Supporters
We would like to thank our generous donors who helped bring this memorial to life with their kind contributions.
In memory of Thomas Wilson, 196th Battalion CEF
In memory of Pvt William Arthur Wilcox, 15th Bn, lost at Festubert, France May 21, 1915
In memory of Robert Charles Peacock
In memory of Major John Francis Costigan, 50th Battalion infantry. April 4th 1917 Canada.
Remembering Those Who Sacrificed Their Lives For Ours
In loving memory of our ancestors who sacrificed for us all.
In memory of LT T.J. Taylor, Cpl R. Anderson, and Pte W. Coolen
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.
In honour of Private G. R. Mowforth
As members of the Whitmer Trudel Charitable Foundation
In memory of our beloved servicemen who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Requiescat in pace.
In Honour of James R. Sutherland Sr. 44th Bn(Manitoba)
Truth, Duty, Valour / Vérité, Devoir, Vaillance
“But honor the sacred mem’ry / Of those who for honor tried” Frank S. Brown, The Pats, 1915.
in loving memory of of our grandfather Wilfrid J. Fagan
We will remember them. Forever grateful, the Tattersall family and Heathbridge Capital Management
In memory of Graham Burton
Thank you for your Gift of Freedom.
In memory of Canadian Engineers who served in the First World War. // À la mémoire des ingénieurs canadiens qui ont servi pendant la Première Guerre mondiale
To honour ARLINGTON CLARKE and the many brave Canadians who fought at Vimy Ridge.
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.
honours Sergeant Winfred (Fred) Alexander Glover, 21st Battalion, Canadian Infantry
In memory of Dr. W.R. Harwood
In honour of Corporal Samuel Lester Kelsall 58th Battalion 9th MGC 3rd Division
We Will Remember You.
In loving memory of Lieutenant Maurice Alexander Jaques, lost Sept 3, 1916
In memory of Lieutenant Henry (Harry) George Reginald Mews
salute their perpetuated CEF battalions – 3rd, 15th, 58th, 83rd, 92nd, 95th, 123rd, 124th, 134th, 166th, 170th, 198th, 204th and 255th. We will remember them!
in memory of Pte Harry Franklin Ritz (78th Bn)
in memory of Lieutenant-Colonel John H. Chipman, MC, VD
in memory of Gunner Arthur Vickers and Private Arthur Fordham
In Memory of Lieutenant Leslie Miller
in memory of Flight Lieutenant John Harvie Wiley
in memory of Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon M. Wyant, OC, CD, QHP
Free, bilingual lesson plans allow students to explore the Canadian National Vimy Memorial site from their classroom.
Help support the Vimy Foundation’s mission to build awareness about Canada’s role in the First World War.