BARB'S GENEALOGY TIDBITS-VIMY RIDGE-APRIL 9 1917-ERNIE WAS THERE

 For Canada the Vimy Ridge battles were so significant. Canada came of age.

For our family Ernest Adolphus Ellis, my maternal grandfather was there.

I have written about him on several posts over the years.

Toronto going to war.

April 7 2017 on the 100th Anniversary. And celebrations in France.

April 9, 2016.

The most significant post was April 9, 2011.

So if interested go to the side links for the year and find the month then scroll to the post.

You can read my article above I also posted it in several places in 2017 like my facebook page, Durham Branch of OGS and Toronto Branch of OGS.

Our family story never gets old. As long as we remember them, they live.

#vimyridge#ernieatvimyridge#canadiansinwwone#106anniversaryofvimyridge#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

VIMY RIDGE MEMORY-APRIL 9 1917

 105 years ago the Canadians accomplished a great effort in World War One. The battle at Vimy Ridge in France.

Some photos I took from the TV at the 100th Anniversary celebrations in France.

The Vimy Foundation is a good website to explore the great battle.

Vimy Foundation

One of our family members Ernest Adolphus Ellis participated in this great battle.

I have written about his story several times in this blog.

Just key in Ernie Ellis in the search and it will take you to those posts.

It is difficult to find photos of individual soldiers. Usually there are just group shots of battalions.

So the photo of Ernie around the age he would have served for the CEF- Canadian Forces.

We remember war so we do not have to experience it again.

It breaks all our hearts to see what is happening in Ukraine in the year 2022.

Here's to all who served and are serving now.

#vimyfoundation#vimyridge#worldwarone#ernieellis#ernestadolphusellis#rememberingallwhoserved#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

VIMY RIDGE REMEMBERED

Last year was the 100th anniversary of this famous battle where Canadians came into a new age. Now 101 years has gone by. For our family we remember our dear grandfather Ernest Ellis who fought there and received many medals. Over the years I have written several posts on this event. Time to remember April 9, 1917 as an important day in Canadian and world history. Do you have family members who were there? Why not share your thoughts?
#VimyRidge#WorldWarOne#enrolls#Canadianhistory#remembrance

#26 BARB'S REFLECTIVE 150-REMEMBERING VIMY RIDGE

Sunday April 9, 2017 marks the 100th anniversay of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Canadians became of age at this famous battle. The huge monument in France honouring 11,000 who died and those who fought. Thousands will descend on France for the celebration. Our Prime Minister, Prince William and Prince Harry along with many other dignitaries and general public. France has put out a welcome mat with lots of Canadian flags.

Ernest Adolphus Ellis- grandfather to many in my family, great grandfather to several and great great grandfather to many fought in this battle and earned medals.

Men from Toronto.

More faces of men who served. Were they there that day?
Vimy Ridge Foundation is a wonderful site to peruse. Learn more about the accomplishments of the Canadian.
Vimy Ridge
2017 has many celebrations across the country. Try to join one or watch live coveage on Sunday April 9, 2017. Lest we Forget!

VIMY RIDGE- CANADIAN HEROES AT THEIR BEST

April 9, 2017 was a significant day in Canadian history. During World War One, the battle at Vimy Ridge in France was one of the turning points of the Canadian role in the war. April 9, 2011 I wrote a post to this great day. In our family, Ernie Ellis, my grandfather played a role in that day even earning some medals and recognition. My post on April 9, 2011 tell his story. Here's to all who served that day and to all our Armed Forces personnel who are serving today.

WEAR YOUR POPPY WITH PRIDE

How many poppies do you have? Remember those who fought for our freedoms in Canada in the various conflicts over the centuries. If you don't know them all, a visit to the War Museum in Ottawa will give a reality check! I wear my Vimy Ridge pin with pride- my grandfather Ernie Ellis fought in that Canadian battle in World War One! Our family hero! Do you have a family hero? If possible hug a Veteran!

VIMY RIDGE REMEMBERED-98TH ANNIVERSARY

Vimy Ridge is the famous battle from World War One where according to history Canada came of age. Today is the anniversary of that famous battle. 98 years ago. Preparations are being made in France to commemorate the 100th anniversary in 1917. I wrote about this battle April 2011. The main reason- our family had a member who fought there. Ernie Ellis! He received some medals for his role. So year his role is remembered along with the other Canadians who participated. His story is so similar to others.
For those interested in more of the stories, The Vimy Foundation/La Fondation Vimy website is a wonderful site to visit. If wanted Vimy pins can be purchased for family members. Teachers can find information for their classes. Students from across Canada can participate in the Vimy Pilgrimage Award which enables them to visit Europe. In the recent edition of the Vimy newsletter there is a wonderful story of the Vimy Oaks Project- A soldier took some acorns from Vimy, planted them in Scarborough. No oak trees remain in Vimy today so the special project is growing some trees to repatriate them in France- but read the newsletter to have the full details on this amazing but simple story.
So anyone with a passion for history and especially Canadian history would find the stories in the Foundation to be interesting and food for thought. We honour the past not because we honour war but look towards the hope that efforts made will teach us lessons to work towards peace today. But here's to Ernie and all the others who served this country well and those who continue to serve today. 

CANADA AND VIMY RIDGE

April 9, 1917 is an important day in Canadian history. Each year I write about Vimy Ridge. During World War One, it was a significant battle in the war where our Canadians made a mark. It was important in our family history as my grandfather- Ernest Adolphus Ellis was a hero. I wrote a long note on my blog about him on April 9, 2011. My cousin, Roy Ellis added much detail in his comments. So for a longer and well written tribute by two descendants you can read that post. In France at Vimy, there is a huge monument honouring the Canadians and their efforts. For the war historian there are several websites on Vimy Ridge. It is possible to order little Vimy Ridge pins-I have several that I will give to my grandchildren. It is also a day to reflect and honour our current Armed Forces who help to keep our country safe and free. We enjoy our peace today because of them. War is not remembered to glorify it but to know that a peaceful nation had to sweat and bleed to reach an understanding that it is better to live side by side than fight. Look at Canada and the United States. The War of 1812 taught us that we were more useful as friendly neighbours than adversaries!

NANA SAYS CHILDREN ARE PARTICIPATING IN VETERANS' WEEK

Every year as we honour our Veterans at Remembrance Day , it is quite noticeable that young people are attending the ceremonies. High Schools across Canada now plan trips to memorials. Some even venture across to Europe visiting places like Vimy Ridge in France. Canadian history and our place in World history has become cool. This interest is due in part to our history. Actually, due to the involvement and commitment of our modern military going to places like Afghanistan and peacekeeping in Cyprus and other parts of the Middle East, our youth is viewing modern heroes serving our nation. News stories featuring our Highway of Heros on the 401, brings home the price that is paid to protect our country. Teaching our children not to glorify war but to promote peace takes a fine balance. Informing our young family members about other family members that served keeps the memories alive as well as saying thank you for the work. It helps with life's lessons of why it is important to resolve conflicts without injury. Honouring our Veterans also teaches that life can be tough with tough times. Do what you need to do in your family to remember. Wearing a poppy can be the easiest gesture. Besides they are rather pretty. Depending on the age of the child, too much detail may frighten the little ones while teenagers will understand differently.

VIMY RIDGE- A PROUD DAY IN CANADIAN HISTORY

To all those that served in World War One, this blog is dedicated to them and their families.

On April 9, 1917, during World War One, the battle at Vimy Ridge France was instrumental for the war. It was a day that put Canadians on the map as a major force. Today there is a huge monument in France that pays tribute to the Canadians that served, fought and for those that gave their lives.

Our grandfather, Ernest Adolphus Ellis, born January 5, 1884 was one soldier that was present at the battle at Vimy Ridge in April. He continued to serve his country during the war. While still fighting at Vimy Ridge, he was wounded on May 8th 1917. For his courage and devotion to duty, he was awarded the Military Medal. According to his records in Ottawa- "this man worked untiringly during an enemy counter attack dressing his wounded comrades under intense shell-fire. He was wounded himself but insisted on continuing his work on several serious cases before going out. His coolness and steadiness under fire and his devotion to his suffering comrades, were a source of encouragement to his country." He earned the British War Medal and Victory Medal which were issued to him in 1922. The Good Conduct Badge was also awarded to him.

Ernie's story is one of thousands. It represents the sacrifices made to this country that have helped forge who we are today. The devotion to duty and country can never be forgotten.

By honouring our past, we can also honour those who serve today in our Armed Forces, Police, Fire Fighters and other professions that keep us safe. Do you have a story about a loved one that served your Nation? Do you know someone who has served today? Let us remember to honour them as their efforts allow us to have peace and to live without violence in our lives.