Philippe Martin has been an integral member of the Friends of The Canadian Vimy Monument association for 25 years. He has served six years as secretary and 19 years as president. He is described as being always available, kind and dedicated to his important mission of leading the association. He always used to say, “My commitment to the duty to remember, and particularly to my Canadian cousins, is profound and still deeply inspires me.”
In 2004, Mr. Martin became President of the association. Under his presidency, many contributions and improvements were made to the historic site. He has coordinated many achievements, such as signage, benches, bicycle parking, and flagpoles at the entrance to the site. Other important improvements include the installation of bollards to regulate vehicle entry at the rear of the monument, the purchase of wheelchairs to assist visitors with reduced mobility, and the purchase of a mobile sound system and chairs for ceremonies.
Mr. Martin has worked throughout the years to perpetuate the duty to remember. He has taken initiatives to support and participate in the organization of commemorative events. He has also organized the help that the association provides to student guides by helping to finance their well-being. Under his direction, the association lays flowers on the monument every week from April to November. He is in charge of the receptions that follow the April 9 and November 11 ceremonies at the Memorial.
His dedication and passion for the history of the Canadian soldiers’ participation in the conquest of Vimy Ridge and the memory of the fallen are recognized today. His continued support for the mission of remembrance has been extraordinary.