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Vimy Makes Canada    April 07, 2013

On 7 April 2013, Dr. Mary K MacLeod with assistance from Dr. Cheryl Bartlett delivered a powerfully illustrated presentation entitled "One Battle - One Victory - One Nation:  Vimy Makes Canada" as part of lead up events organized by the Cape Breton Highlanders Association in Sydney, NS, for the 100th anniversary in 2017 of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.  The presentation showed how Canada changed as a result of WW1 and it highlights contributions to the war effort from communities across Canada including Aboriginal and Cape Breton.  Special emphasis is given to the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the key roles of soldiers serving with the Cape Breton Highlanders (85th and 185th Battalions), women in the medical corps, and the "connectedness with home" that was possible thanks to an excellent national - international mail service. MCpl Brandon Hanna, a member of today's Cape Breton Highlanders, read example letters written by two soldiers, one to the family and one to the girl friend.  A pdf of the presentation can be viewed here.