Vimy today: A photoessay

An item from the Legion Magazine.


Front Lines
Front Lines

Under billowing clouds of an August day in northern France, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial looms over the ridge where Canadian soldiers carved the country its rightful place in the world. Its walls bear the names of 11,285 Canadian soldiers killed in France but whose remains were never identified. [Stephen J. Thorne/LM]

Vimy today: A photoessay

STORY BY STEPHEN J. THORNE

 

As far as war monuments go, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial is widely regarded to be among the most magnificent, if not the most.

It is set on the ridge where all four Canadian divisions—100,000 troops—fought together for the first time, won a great victory, and thus staked their country’s place at the table and in the world.

Surrounded by battle-scarred field and forest where trenchworks and shell craters still disfigure the landscape and live ordnance renders much of it impassable, the memorial looms over the Douai Plains of northern France.

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Grace in Flight Silk Scarf
The Briefing
The Briefing

Retired corporal Kate MacEachern takes a break at Kate’s Café in Ballantynes Cove, N.S.

[Annie Bowers]

Canadian veteran talks service at home and in Ukraine

STORY BY ALEX BOWERS

Retired corporal Kate MacEachern understands the true meaning of service. To the Ballantynes Cove, N.S., native, it meant joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 2005, training as a tanker with Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) until an accident left her with critical head and spinal cord injuries that transformed her military career. Her service, however, continued through to her medical release in 2014, although not even discharge papers could end her dedication to the uniform.

MacEachern has since carried out three charitable walks across large swaths of the country, amounting to more than 5,000 kilometres trekked—all to raise awareness of post-traumatic stress, something she has dealt with herself. In doing so, she has also collected over $100,000 for various military charities and similar institutions.

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Join Us In Remembering September 11th and Renewing Our Mission!

An item from the Wreaths Across American organization that may be of interest to members.


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As the anniversary of September 11th approaches, we pause to remember the lives lost and the heroes who stood in the face of unimaginable tragedy. That day changed our nation forever and reminded us of the true cost of freedom.

Read my full message on why we must never lose sight of the sacrifices made for our liberties here, and keep scrolling to learn more about our year-round mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.

Sincerely,

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Karen Worcester

Wreaths Across America’s Executive Director

Wave Your American Flag

LotsaFlagKids

Wave your American flags with us on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, between 9-10 am EST in remembrance of those lost on 9/11/01.

Share your pictures and videos on social media using the hashtag #FlagsAcrosstheCountry. You can also submit photos and videos to our online gallery at the button below.

Start a Sponsorship Group

It’s never too late to start your own Sponsorship Group! Did you know you can start earning dollars back now while supporting a local cemetery? By joining our Sponsorship Group Program, you play a vital role in gathering the necessary sponsorships to honor and remember our nation’s service members each December.

Your efforts directly contribute to the success of Wreaths Across America’s year-round programs. Ready to make a difference?

Share Your Story on Wreaths Across America Radio

We want to hear about YOU! There are a variety of live and pre-recorded interview options so you can share your story.

Click the button below to schedule an interview. Thank you for your work in your community and your continued support of the mission to Remember, Honor, Teach.

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Back to School with the TEACH Program

back to school

Get ready for Back to School with Wreaths Across America’s TEACH Program!

Learn more about our FREE resources for the new year, including downloadable, standards-based K-12 lesson plans and informational webinars.

Featured Merchandise

Book & Wreath Sponsorship Bundle

In this book, Norma Shinno Irving Donlon shares her story of coping with loss and finding love again… with two Army heroes who both served our country with distinction.

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“Norma’s remarkable story of service to her family and country is one that everyone can learn from. A dedicated Gold Star Wife, Army wife and mother, Norma’s story of resilience and dedication will remain with you long after reading. How lucky are we to hear her story in her own words. We hope that when you read this book, you share Norma’s example of service with the children in your life so they can be inspired too.”
—Karen Worcester

Patriot Pair

Patriot Pairs

When you sponsor a Patriot Pair, one wreath will be placed on a veteran’s headstone at a participation location, and a second wreath will be sent to the address of your choice.

Make sure to follow Wreaths Across America official channels on social media for the most up-to-the-minute news on the mission throughout the year:

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Wreaths Across America, PO Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623, United States, 877-385-9504