Description
This highly detailed fine silver dollar coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, and brings the sacrifices made to a personal level. Train stations across Canada became the stage for tearful goodbyes and lingering embraces. The First World War was a true coming of age for the young nation, and the hope, fear, courage and deep sacrifice Canadians felt 100 years ago remain as poignant and inspiring today. HST/GST exempt.
The Design:
The design features a couple's emotional farewell at a train station, where the first wave of volunteers is boarding a train bound for the Valcartier camp. Time stands still for this couple as they savour one last embrace before his departure, both of them uncertain of the future that lies ahead.
Did You Know?
When Britain declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914, its entire Empire was drawn into the conflict, including Canada and Newfoundland. Across the Dominion, men flocked to recruiting stations. Within two months, Canada's pre-war militia that included a standing army of 3,110 men had grown to 33,000. Many were recent British immigrants or native-born Canadians of British origin, but among them were also more than 1,000 French Canadians, many First Nations as well as many others from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Five hundred soldiers from the British colonies of Newfoundland and Labrador also joined the ranks, while some 2,500 women stepped forward to serve as nurses.
