War Memorials

A Walk to Remember

Spearheaded by two Langley, BC youth, Michael and Elizabeth Pratt and their organization Langley Youth for the Fallen, A Walk to Remember at Derek Doubleday Arboretum commemorates Canadian Forces personnel who lost their lives while serving in the Canadian mission in Afghanistan, 2002 – 2011.

A total of 158 trees were planted at the Arboretum in honour of the 158 Canadians who lost their lives through the nine years of the Afghan mission.

A Walk to Remember’s central commemorative feature (pictured) is symbolic of a tree whose life has been cut short. Wrapped around the trunk, a steel ribbon ascends towards the sky, carrying the names of the fallen Canadians.

Gapyeong Stone 

The Gapyeong Stone Korean War Memorial was unveiled on January 22 2018 at the Arboretum to commemorate the sacrifice, honour and gratitude for the contribution of Canadian armed forces in the Korean War during the battle of Kapyong (Gapyeong) in April of 1951.

 https://www.tol.ca/news/gapyeong-stone-unveiled/

Vimy Ridge Oak Tree

The story of Vimy Ridge is one of bravery and sacrifice. The Battle at Vimy Ridge, which took place on April 9, 1917, is commonly highlighted as a turning point in Canadian history, where the four Canadian divisions fought together as a unified fighting force for the first time. While 3,598 Canadian soldiers were killed during the battle, the impressive victory over German forces is often cited as the beginning of Canada’s evolution from dominion to independent nation.*

In the fall of 2017, on Rivers Day, this Oak Tree grown from an acorn that originated from Vimy Ridge, France, was planted at Derek Doubleday Arboretum. This tree was received as a gift from John Aldag, Member of Parliament, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle at Vimy Ridge and the Canadian soldiers who fell on that day. It speaks to Canada’s legacy as a nation fighting for peace and freedom, and honours those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

*source: The Vimy Foundation.