Canada, France issue stamps to commemorate WWI battle

Canada and France will issue postage stamps commemorating the battle of Vimy Ridge, a century after Canadians captured the escarpment in a key World War I offensive, officials from both countries said today.
The April 1917 battle in northern France has become a symbol of Canadian achievement and sacrifice, as well as its colonial emancipation from Britain.
It marked a "coming-of-age moment for Canada," according to a statement.
A memorial now stands on a 100-hectare (250-acre) park where 30,000 Canadian soldiers fought for control of the virtually impregnable German-held position.
During four days of fighting, nearly 3,000 Canadians died and 7,000 were wounded.

The Canadian stamp, which will be issued on April 8, depicts the two towering pylons of the Vimy monument with a grieving man in the foreground.
The French version shows another of the sculptures at the site, with French and Canadian flags in the background.