The Monument

The monument at Vimy Ridge is under renovation until the end of 2006. It's about 70 years old and weather has taken its toll. You can see here what the highest point on the ridge looks like today with renovations underway.A limestone from Croatia was used to build the monument. In the 20s, they didn't know as much about materials and engineering as we know today, and so were not aware that this stone would not weather very well in a climate full of rain and rapid freeze-thaw cycles. Poor drainage and quickly accumulating mineral deposits from water in the joints between stones has caused a great deal of dammage. Though they are trying to retain as much of the original stone as possible, some of it has to be replaced. They searched far and wide for suitable stone, but ended up re-opening the original quarry in Croatia.

Below is one of the figures on the monument. Everyone of the over 11,000 names on the monument are being re-engraved.

New engineering technologies are being implemented to help ward-off the damage caused by weather in the past 70 years. A special mortar was developed uniquely for use on this monument. Some crazy technologies are being used as well, such as a system whereby they lay these stones down on top of some very specialized sandbags; this has something to do with drainage. Though I really would have no idea, it all sounded very impressive, and made me say: "Gee, the things they've come up with. What will they think of next?" Science really has accomplished some cool things.

Beyond that are some shots of a woman, representing a young Canada, mourning her dead. Below where she stands is the tomb of an unknown soldier (or represents the tomb of one).

Oh, and then there's me, at the base of one of the monument's main pillars. As you can see, because of the millions of dollars spent renovating this monument, Veteran's Affairs Canada clearly does not have the cash to get me clothes that fit.