A Canadian Battalion goes over the top during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France in 1917. The Turner Valley Legion has received support in recognizing April 9 as Birth of a Nation Day to honour the victory at Vimy Ridge. photo courtesy Library and Archives Canada

Towns celebrate Birth of a Nation

By Blair Braitenbach
Staff reporter

Gordon Day, president of the Turner Valley Legion, is lobbying local municipalities to honour Birth of a Nation Day on April 9. photo by Lindsay Hanhart

It was a day that changed the face of Canada forever and marked its entrance onto the global stage. Now, thanks to the efforts of a few local individuals, it is hoped that day will be recognized by generations to come.
On April 9, 1917, Canadians began a four-day mission, fighting gallantly at Vimy Ridge in France. The six-and-a-half mile long ridge was a stronghold for the Germans in World War I and British and French forces failed to capture Vimy after several attempts. Canadian troops were given the order to storm the ridge, and it was the first time in history Canadians acted as a singular unit. Despite losing over 10,000 compatriots, the Canadian troops successfully defeated the Germans, capturing the seemingly impenetrable stronghold.
According to Gordon Day, president of the Turner Valley branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Canadian troops captured more ground, guns and prisoners than any other military unit in any other country to date. It was after the Canadians’ success at Vimy Ridge that then Prime Minister Robert Borden demanded that Canada be recognized as an independent nation, yet loyal to the British Empire.
This year, for the first time in recent history, the Towns of Black Diamond, Okotoks, Turner Valley, Nanton and the Village of Longview will be recognizing April 9 as Birth of a Nation Day.
“The whole thing became a remarkable mission by our troops that has never been matched,” Day said. “When Borden declared that we should have dominion unto ourselves, and loyalty to the Crown as I mentioned, it just makes me feel more Canadian. We should realize where our heritage is coming from.”
At 7 p.m. on April 9 in Turner Valley, a parade will take place from the Flare ‘n’ Derrick to the Legion where there will likely be guest speakers explaining the historical significance of the occasion. To honour the event, Day said he hopes as many residents in the area as possible will display flags, large and small, in and around their homes. As well, Day said he will be sending out various information packages to area schools, recommending they hold assemblies, but admitted there is no guarantee they will do so, particularly since it occurs shortly after Easter holidays.
“If I can make them aware of what we’re doing, it will be a start for next year and then we can work on this for next year and really develop it,” Day said, noting cadets, Scouts and Cubs will be involved as well.
In Okotoks, Mayor Bill McAlpine explained he, the rest of council, cadets and anyone else wishing to participate, will march at 6 p.m. on April 9 from the Okotoks Elks Hall to the Okotoks Cenotaph where a ceremony will take place. After the ceremony, they will return to the Elks Hall.
“It’s important in that was a terrible, terrible battle on Vimy Ridge and we lost a lot of Canadians there, but they won,” McAlpine said. “I agree that because they won that may be the reason we have a nation, therefore, that’s a Birth of a Nation.”
At one time schools would close on April 9 in reverence of the milestone. Day is unsure why Birth of a Nation Day was phased out over the years and couldn’t say when it was last recognized, however, he assumes the loss of it may be partially due to fading memories.
“I think Canadians are very passive, and they accept these things and respect them, but these things just go by. I don’t think it was deliberately ignored, I think it just happened over time,” Day said.
Day said veterans are very happy to see Birth of a Nation Day reinstated in the area, and he is “thrilled” to see the general public showing enthusiasm for it was well. The southern Foothills municipalities will be the first in Canada recognizing Birth of a Nation Day since it was phased out, but next year Day plans to promote it to all communities in Alberta. He will also be promoting the event to Macleod MP Ted Menzies in addition to sending a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Governor General to advise them of the initiative. Day said he hopes one day it will again be recognized as a national holiday.
“It will take time,” Day said.