Vimy Ridge

by elfqueen13

One hundred years ago, as of this story's publishing, 3600 Canadian soldiers became casualties of war at the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Lasting four days, the battle resulted in the taking of the ridge by Canadian forces, something both the British and French had failed to do. Let this be a small tribute to a sacrifice beyond words.

Matthew Williams knelt silently at the top of Vimy Ridge, tears coursing down his face. Deeper striking than even the sight of lifeless bodies littering the ground was the pain in his heart, the agony of all those who had lost their lives here and those before them in this terrible war; it was the pain of the Canadian people and as such, his own.

"Matthew."

The young nation, a mere 50 years independent, turned to find Britain and France standing there behind him.

"Arthur, Francis," he said shakily. "It hurts. . . It hurts so much."

"We know," Britain soothed. "Now rest, you've done so much."

"Oui, Angleterre is correct. You managed to do what we could not. Be proud of your people's sacrifice."

Canada breathed deeply and braced himself. "Alright. This is a story we will make sure endures, with lessons that will last. Their sacrifice will not be in vain. . . Lest we forget."