In April we remembered the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Since that time, the City of Chilliwack has received a commemorative Vimy Oak tree and members of the public are invited to attend a ceremonial tree planting along the Legacy Trail on November 1 at 10:00 am. This tree will provide a lasting memorial to the sacrifices made by Canada’s brave soldiers in the First World War.

 

After the Battle of Vimy Ridge, Leslie Miller, a Canadian solider, realized that Canada had accomplished something great and looked around for a souvenir.  He collected a handful of acorns from a half buried oak tree and sent them home to be planted in Ontario at his family farm, which he called ‘Vimy Oaks Farm’.  They grew into majestic oaks that still stand today.

 

The non-profit Vimy Oaks Legacy Corporation is repatriating offspring of these descendant oaks back to Vimy Ridge to be planted in Vimy Foundation Centennial Park, adjacent to the Canadian national Vimy Memorial site. In addition, they are distributing Vimy Oak saplings to qualifying organizations that will plant them at commemorative sites across Canada.

 

“The Battle of Vimy Ridge is a significant moment in Canadian history and it is important for us to remember the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers during the First World War,” said Mayor Gaetz. “This Vimy Oak tree will grow and serve our community as a reminder of their sacrifices for years to come.”

 

The Vimy Oak (Quercus robar) that will be planted along the Legacy Trail is a direct descendant from oak trees that once grew on Vimy Ridge. It is one of the descendants grown especially to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and in remembrance of all Canadians who fought in the First World War.

 

Tree planting details:

 

Date: Wednesday, November 1
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Along the Legacy Trail, parking at 45450 Petawawa Road

Filed under: Chilliwack, Tree PLant, vimy-ridge