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[airforce1]

I have been a history buff, particularly military history, for a long time and have done a lot of reading and research on the subject. For a number of reasons, my interest has focused on WW1 and Canada's participation.
Next month I am going on a battlefield tour to France and Belgium led by noted Canadian militiary historian Norm Christie. We will visit all the main battlefields where Canadians troops were involved including Vimy Ridge. I am looking forward to the trip with a lot of anticipation.

[morton1]

HI Airforce1, I hope you enjoy every moment of your tour.safe trip.

[sharra]

Hi Airforce 1, did you have a good trip? Any chance in getting a few highlights?

[airforce1]

Hi Airforce 1, did you have a good trip? Any chance in getting a few highlights?

Hi Sharra,
Had a great trip. The travel group were all nice,friendly people and the weather was fine. One of the most moving experiences was the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate in Iper, Belgium. Each night at 8:00 pm, regardless of weather, traffic through the gate is halted and buglers play the last post. Almost 80,000 names of those killed in WW1 and whose bodies were never found are inscribed on the walls of the gate. I suspect there was around 300 people there the night we attended.
We also visited Canada's Vimy Ridge memorial a bit north of Arras, France. I am not skilled enough with words to describe the powerful impact this impressive memorial makes. The memorial does not in any way glorify war, but instead highlights the terrible loss and suffering war entails. The memorial itself is one of the most beautiful war memorials anywhere, and is a must see, especially for Canadians.
There were many other places of interest we visited. With the end of WW1 almost 100 years ago, there are not many places left where you can actually see what the battlefields were like. Interestingly, two of the best are both Canadian sites, namely Vimy Memorial and Beaumont-Hamel parks.
Airforce1

[sharra]

Thanks Airforce 1. yes, the Last post ceremony is very moving. Every time I hear the buglers, I am reminded that so many had to pay the ultimate sacrifice in order that I might enjoy the life we have in Canada. I am truly grateful.

[airforce1]

Thanks all for your comments.