Flanders Fields

[Bill Alexander]

Today marks the anniversary of the Canadian baptism of fire in World War One. On April 22, the cloud of chlorine washed over the Allied troops in the Ypres salient. Canada's First Division stood to and held the line as the German's, surprised by the success of their own weapon attempted to exploit the weakened line. The Canadians suffered 5,975 casualties by some estimates. Ypres become a bloody chapter in Canada's military heritage, and marked a coming of age for our nation. In the bloody fields of Flanders, Canadian soldiers bought our freedom. We will remember them.