Red Friday - Support the Troops

IS2009-3028   19 July 2009

Vimy Ridge National Historical Site of Canada, France


Corporal Davin Kirwin from 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (CER) based Canadian Forces Base of Edmonton, Alberta, bears the Canadian flag and Corporal Brenda Cutter from Canadian Forces Postal Unit (CFPU) based out of Ottawa, Ontario, bears the French Flag at the base of the Vimy Ridge National Memorial Site of Canada, in France during a remembrance service. Corporal Kirwin and Corporal Cutter are two participants of the 270 members of Canadian contingent participating in the 2009 Nijmegen marches in the Netherlands this year.

The Canadian Forces contingent visited Vimy Ridge, France to hold a memorial ceremony at the Canadian National Vimy memorial, in France. The Royal Canadian Legion generously provided sponsorship funds towards this Non-Public Property Vimy Ridge visit.


The Nijmegen Marches, held annually in the Netherlands, is a rigorous and prestigious annual event, attracting some 45,000 military and civilian participants and more than a million spectators, from over 50 nations. The Marches, held this year from 21-24 July, are both a challenging and emotional experience for Canadian Forces members, who have participated in the event annually since 1952. The Marches are an opportunity for the Canadian Forces members to honor the Canadians who lost their lives fighting in Europe in the 20th Century, as they walk the same land from where so many never returned.


The Marches are also the ultimate test of physical fitness and mental stamina and require effective teamwork as participants march over 160 km in four days while carrying a standard military rucksack weighing at least 10 kg.

Photo by Master Corporal Angela Abbey, Canadian Forces Combat Camera