Vimy at 100: Newfoundlanders lay wreaths in honour of fallen soldiers at Monchy-le-Preux

People in St. John's came together on Sunday to remember the sacrifices of soldiers during the battles of Vimy Ridge and Monchy-le-Preux100 years ago.

Newfoundland and Labrador Lt.-Gov. Frank Fagan led a wreath laying ceremony at the National War Memorial on Duckworth Streetand community members, veterans and members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment gathered to pay their respects.

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Frank Sullivan, president of the provincial branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, said it's important to mark these occasions.

"The battle ofMonchy-le-Preuxstands out to everyone," he said.

"We made a solemn vow that we would remember them, Lest We Forget, and I think every time we have a ceremony to commemorate these events it brings it into the hearts and souls of our young Newfoundlanders andLabradoriansand our young Canadians."

Although it may be a lesser-known battle, Monchy-le-Preuxis considered a pivotal World War I battle instrumental in helping Canada and the allied forces secure victory.

Veterans Affairs Canada describes the Newfoundland Regiment's losses as "severe," with460 members killed, including 153 captured.

The village in France is home to one of five bronze caribou monuments commemorating Newfoundland's contributions and sacrifices during World War I.

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The Battle of Vimy Ridge began April 9, 1917 and is remembered as one of Canada's significant moments during World War I, endingwith Canadian forces successfully capturing Vimyfrom German forces on April 12, 1917.