ItB次元官网网址檚 often been called a watershed moment in Canadian history.

With the country approaching its 50th birthday, four divisions of the Canadian Corps emerged with a key allied victory in the Battle of Vimy Ridge, giving Canada its B次元官网网址渃oming of ageB次元官网网址� moment, according to many historians.

In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the April 1917 battle, Fort Rodd Hill is hosting a commemoration event to remember the thousands killed or wounded.

B次元官网网址淭he battle was a success, but at the same time it had a huge cost to Canadians B次元官网网址� I think itB次元官网网址檚 important to not forget the sacrifices of the men and women at the Battle of Vimy Ridge and during the First World War,B次元官网网址� said Robyn Sealy, the fortB次元官网网址檚 acting interpretation co-ordinator.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday (April 8), the national historic site will host interpretative activities and programs, a campfire, and music from the band of the 5th (B.C.) Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery. The formal part of the event begins at 7:30 with a Royal Canadian Legion colour party and words from regional dignitaries, including Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke MP Randall Garrison.

A plaque will also be unveiled for Sir Arthur Currie, a major-general during the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

Currie has a strong connection to Fort Rodd Hill and Victoria, having been a teacher at Vic High and received his military start with the 5th Field Artillery Regiment out of the Bay Street Armoury. He participated in and later led numerous field exercises, or mock battles, at Fort Rodd Hill and Langford Plains.

After the ceremonies at Fort Rodd Hill comes what Sealy called the B次元官网网址減i猫ce de r茅sistanceB次元官网网址� of the event, beginning at 8:30. In France it will be 5:30 a.m. B次元官网网址� the exact time when the first shots rang out in the Vimy battle 100 years ago.

B次元官网网址淎t that moment weB次元官网网址檒l have everyone gathered on the lower battery cliff at Fort Rodd Hill and below us on the beach there will be guns (fired) from the 5th Field Regiment, so the same type of guns that they would have had at Vimy,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚t will be twilight and Fisgard Lighthouse will be a stunning backdrop for the unforgettable 100-round rapid fire barrage.B次元官网网址�

As is the case all year in celebration of CanadaB次元官网网址檚 150th birthday, admission to the Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites is free. Overflow parking will be available at the Juan de Fuca park and ride, with a shuttle taking attendees to and from the site.

The 5th Field Regiment will also host an open house at the Bay Street Armoury the following day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

joel.tansey@goldstreamgazette.com