Nineteen Morris cadets travelled to Europe last month to commemorate the battle of Vimy Ridge.

The cadets remembered Canada's achievements at Vimy Ridge, and relived the history of Canadian soldiers, some of whom were as young as these cadets or younger, battling for our freedom. The group visited cities and sites where history was made over one hundred years ago.

The trip cost about $4,000 per cadet, and it took over two years and numerous fundraisers to collect enough money to go. Fundraising Chair Brenda Brodeur was on the trip, and said it included more than just a visit to Vimy Ridge.

"We went to London, England, we went to Vimy Ridge of course and Paris France. We saw the many cemeteries, and the ages of the thousands of soldiers there, some in unmarked graves. For me it was truly incredible." 

Brodeur added, based on the grave stones, many of the soldiers were as young as fourteen.

Ron Falk also attended the trip to Vimy Ridge. Falk is the grandfather of cadet Kyler Hildebrandt and says the trip was an opportunity of a lifetime for him, and his grandson.

"You can read about this, see it on television and even hear it on the radio, but when you go there it is a reality, and for me and my grandson to share this together was just awesome. I was born right after World War II, and while we were at the cemeteries, I stood there and saw all these stones and realized that these young individuals went to fight for our freedom. That's what really hit me, that feeling of freedom because of what these young people did for us."

Falk added Remembrance Day will hold a more intense meaning for him in the future.

Left to right - Warrant Darian Shaw, Chief Warrant Officer Gabriel Fontaine, Warrant Reanne Fontaine. 

Warrant Darian Shaw explained what stood out for him during their visit. 

"Just how amazing the monuments are that we saw. They are very solemn, but there is a sort of beauty to them that really came through. Let me tell you I am not a strong man. I cried at many of these memorials."

Shaw said he also came away from Vimy Ridge with a great feeling of gratitude, realizing if these soldiers had not given their lives, he would not have the wonderful life he has been blessed with today. 

The battle of Vimy Ridge took place from April 9th to 12th, 1917, and is now a historical story of bravery and sacrifice. The battle is often highlighted as a turning point in Canadian history, where the four Canadian divisions fought together as a unified fighting force for the first time.

Warrant Reanne Fontaine said this trip was really important to her.

"It made me see how many people gave their lives to give us this country and make the world a better place. So many graves and I saw unmarked graves with more than one soldier and they didn't even know who they were. This trip was a way to see the world in a way that no other source could provide for me."

Chief Warrant Officer Gabriel Fontaine says the trip experience struck him personally.

"Especially the size of the cemeteries. In the first French cemetery we visited there were two large open plots surrounded by a concrete wall. Within each of the walls there was about 5,000 unknown soldiers in an area no bigger than 10x10 meters."

Fontaine added that the size of the battlefields also stood out for him, noting they were a lot bigger than you would expect or see on TV.