Description
Mr. Blake’s grandson responds to the importance of remembering the freedom our country shares because of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
James Blake
Mr. James Blake was born in Belleville, Ontario in 1931, a time during Canada’s depression. Following in his father’s footsteps Mr. Blake decided to join the military. He became part of the Armoured Corps holding rank of corporal. Throughout his military time, Mr. Blake had an opportunity to deploy overseas to Crypus. Now retired, Mr. Blake enjoys life and remains active in his community. Being part of the Canadian delegation in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge is an honour for Mr. Blake and he holds a great deal of pride for his service and for all who served to earn the freedom we share today.
Transcript
Well, I think one of the big messages is to remember what was fought for, what we lost to gain our freedom and what made Canada really a nation of its own. A nation that was known for peacekeeping and this is kinda what kind of started it all was The Battle of Vimy Ridge. And I think of one of the big messages is to never forget that because this is a huge, huge part in Canadian history and it's one that everybody should remember. Now that I've actually been here and I've seen it, it makes it a whole lot more, I guess I can say emotional and a lot more personal now because it's really, like now you really, really understand that is was a big, big part in our history.