We are very proud of Bailey Francis, Grade 11, who has won a prestigious national award, the Vimy Pilgrimage Award. Out of hundreds of applicants from across the country, Bailey Francis, a grade 11 student at the Sacred Heart School of Halifax, was selected to participate in this program, which recognizes the actions of young people who demonstrate outstanding service, positive contributions, notable deeds, bravery or leadership. This story highlights the achievements of local youth, but also builds into a larger narrative about the celebrations for Vimy Day in April as well as the campaign to mark the centennial of Vimy Ridge in 2017.
The Vimy Pilgrimage Award consists of a fully funded, week-long educational program in Vimy, France, to study Canada’s tremendous First World War effort. This week, scheduled for April 5 – 12, 2014 and organized by The Vimy Foundation, will include classroom education and daily field trips to important First World War sites. The Battle of Vimy Ridge was not simply a First World War battle; students will learn how this event was Canada’s coming of age.
The students who are participating in the program this year will have a particularly unique experience, as the Honourable Justin Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, will be joining the group for Vimy Day on April 9, 2014 to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
The students will also have the opportunity to be present for the breaking ground on the new Education Centre to be built at the site. This 22,000 sq. ft. (1850 sq. m.) facility will be officially opened at the 100th centennial of the Battle at Vimy Ridge, April 9, 2017, and will also mark the celebration of the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
For more information about the Vimy Foundation and the Vimy Pilgrimage Award, please visit their website at https://www.vimyfoundation.ca/ and the 2017 Campaign site athttp://www.vimy100.ca/.
