Officially, Canada did not become a nation in 1917, but the Battle of Vimy Ridge is often considered the symbolic moment of its birth as a nation.    Here’s why:  Politically,Canada had already been a dominion since 1867, meaning an autonomous state within the British Empire. It had its own government but remained subordinate to London in matters of diplomacy and defence.    Symbolicallyand

The Canadian Vimy Monument, located atop Vimy Ridge, is a powerful symbol of collective memory. Dedicated to the Canadian soldiers

Canadian soldiers returning from Vimy Ridge. (CP / National Archives of Canada/William Ivor Castle ) The Battle of Vimy Ridge,