In preparation for Vimy 100, Explorica invited students to design an emblem for the official Explorica commemorative jacket. Students from across Canada were asked to share what the Battle of Vimy Ridge meant to them. The winner, high school student Maddy Haggith of Strathroy, Ontario, was inspired by a sense of responsibility to honour the past, “The responsibility to protect and preserve the memories of what happened during WWI are now in the hands of a new generation.” We sat down with Maddy to learn more about her and inspiration behind the design.
Vimy Ridge for the New Generation
“I chose to use a modern design because I feel that as this is a commemorative event, the stories, memories and the realities of what had happened during World War One it is up to the new generation, my generation, to hold on to and present the legacy of our heroes in our own, unique way to the next generation. As students and young Canadians, we will not only get the chance to take the facts about the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the acts of heroism that took place on April 9, 1917, and pass them on, but we will also be part of the history of that important moment in Canada’s history because we are participating in the 100th anniversary commemorative events in France! By choosing to take part in such an extraordinary trip, the Battle of Vimy Ridge and countless other moments, lives and traditions will be resting in the hands of the Passionate Generation, waiting to pass it on yet again to the next one. Canada will always be known and respected as Allies (under Great Britain), during WWI because of our generation.” -Maddy Haggith
The official Vimy 100 ceremonies will take place on April 9th. Be sure to follow #Vimy100 for updates and more stories from the event!