Mission high school student Emily McKinnon is one of 22 recipients of the 2023 Vimy Pilgrimage Award.
The award earns her a trip to France and Belgium with the other winners to learn more about the history of the First World War.
The Vimy Foundation announced the award winners on Wednesday (March 15) to recognize their outstanding commitment and positive contributions to their community.
McKinnon says she’s incredibly excited to be part of the program and thankful for the chance to commemorate the service of veterans over a century since the war ended.
“Visiting historic sites in France and Belgium will put into perspective just how consequential the First World War was in shaping Canada into the country it is today,” McKinnon said in a news release. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn firsthand about the lives of the thousands of brave soldiers who fought for our nation.”
The nine-day program begins with a flight to Europe on April 2. The educational program will include daily visits to important First World War sites, museums, cemeteries and historic battlefields to go along with a series of conferences and discussions.
This April marks the 106th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The Vimy Foundation was established in 2006 and is a charity focused on raising awareness of the role Canada played in the First World War.
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dillon.white@missioncityrecord.com
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