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Canada, France issue stamps to commemorate WWI

Montreal - 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 on Thursday.

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 100ha 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.

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