2014 Canada Dollar 100th Ann.Of The Declaration Of The First World Proof Fine Silver

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 back grounds.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.

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

Through the vision of Nova Scotia artist BonnieRoss, the Royal Canadian Mint has captured one of countless emotional farewells replayed on train platforms across Canada as our volunteers left to assemble in Valcartier for war in Europe. Your 2014 Proof Fine Silver Dollar captures a couple in a farewell embrace as military recruits board a train for basic training. You can be certain the emotions that filled Canadian train stations 100 years ago are the same as the hope, fear, love and uncertainty today'smilitary families feel as they say “goodbye” to their loved ones who choose to serve Canada here and abroad