Vimy Crosses rededicated at armoury

Two original wooden crosses, erected by the men of the 46th Canadian Battalion on Vimy Ridge during the First World War were rededicated at the D.V. Currie VC Armoury on Sunday.
The two crosses were originally erected to mark the spots where men of the 46th died between April 9 and 13, 1917.
The crosses were built by Sgt. Ernest Spillet and painted by Pte. E. Nesbitt. Both soldiers came from Moose Jaw.
The crosses were originally placed on the ridge following the victory of Vimy Ridge by the Canadian Corps. The crosses stayed on the ridge from 1917 until 1923 when they were replaced with permanent memorials.
On hand at the armoury Sunday was Maj. Brad Hrycyna of the Saskatchewan Dragoons, who gave a brief history of the crosses, and Capt. Joseph Almeida, padre of the Saskatchewan Dragoons, who rededicated the cross.
"It is said that Canada became a nation when the Canadian army won the battle at Vimy Ridge," said Hrycyna. "The men of Moose Jaw's own 46th battalion were a key component of that battle."
The objective was to take control of the German held high ground along an escarpment. The Canadians captured most of the ridge during the first day of attack and the final objective, a fortified knoll known as the Pimple, fell to the Canadians on April 12, said Hrycyna.
"Vimy Ridge was a formidable objective," said Hrycyna.
Almeida said that the two crosses represented sacrifice and hope.
"These crosses remind me of the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for freedom," said Almeida. "We are here with a thankful heart for those who have given their lives and to rededicate these crosses to our Vimy heroes."
Almeida said that the men of the 46th battalion helped make Canada what it is today.
"They were Canadian and believed in this country's great foundation that all men were created equal. So, they went and fought for us," said Almeida. "They were simple people like you and I, but they did something amazing."
Almeida said Canada has become a nation of peacemakers and peacekeepers because of what the men and women who served in the First World War did.
"As I look at these two crosses, I see the 30 names that represent many who gave their lives for us," said Almeida.
"The crosses represent to the world the type of nation Canada is. We put our lives on the line for our friends. Throughout our history, we have been doing that."

Colin Dewar can be reached at 691-1263.