Corporal Francis Roller, a member of 51 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron from 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay, will be a part of the commemorative ceremony in Vimy, France as part of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
While in France, Roller will be part of the guard that executes commemorative events to honour soldiers who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, as well as all Canadians who served in the First World War.
The event takes place from April 12th to the 17th.
“When I was first told that I had been chosen to be a part of the guard that will be on parade at Vimy Ridge I was beyond excited. To actually be on parade and pay my respects to those who fought before me is an absolute honour and a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Corporal Roller.
“Due to his outstanding instructional and operational performance within 51 Squadron in support of NORAD, and his support to community events such as Relay For Life, Corporal Roller was an exceptional choice to represent the RCAF at the Vimy Ridge Centennial Ceremonies in France,” explained Major Shawn Guilbault.
Roller joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 2009. In 2010, he was posted to 22 Wing/CFB North Bay and currently serves as an air surveillance and datalink instructor with 51 Aerospace Control and Warning (Operational Training) Squadron.
During the Battle of Vimy Ridge, 3,600 Canadians lost their lives and over 7,000 more were wounded as they won the battle against the Germans, capturing a highly defended ridge that allies had attempted to take.
The ceremony will be held at the Vimy Ridge Memorial in Vimy, France. The memorial was unveiled in July of 1936 by King Edward VIII. Over 50,000 Canadian and French veterans were invited to attend the ceremony. Now, it is visited by approximately 700,000 people each year.
