Easter Monday - the day after Easter, which is always on a Sunday - is a statutory holiday in Canada.
People take time off in honor of the Christian feast day.
As Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the equinox, it and Easter Monday are on different dates each year.
In 1917, Easter Monday was on April 9th.
This became an important date in the history of Canada.
Since 2003, it has been called Vimy Ridge Day.
Although it is not a statutory holiday, it is a day of remembrance.
The Canadian government urges people to honor those who fought a battle in France while their country enjoyed a holiday.
Vimy Ridge is in France, near the Douai plain.
(A ridge is an area of high ground.
) During the war, it became important because it had a view of the area for a long way around.
The Germans had taken it and fortified it (built defensive buildings).
The French had not been able to capture it back.
On April 9th, 1917 - Easter Monday -- Canadian soldiers attacked Vimy Ridge.
They had trained carefully for it.
Over 3500 of them were killed, but they captured the ridge.
This was the first battle of the war where soldiers from all over Canada fought together.
Looking back, many Canadians feel this brought the country closer together.
They also feel the world respected Canada more after the victory.
At the time, Canada was a young country, independent for only 50 years.
Many people still thought of it as just a remote place belonging to Britain.
At Vimy Ridge, Canada showed it could act on its own.
Later, France gave Vimy Ridge to Canada.
A monument was built there, to honor those who fought in the battle.
To see a short video about the battle, click here