Historians continue to debate the supposed weak participation of French Canada in the First World War. Outside of Québec, a single francophone unit was created, the 165th or Acadian Battalion. This article examines the heritage and memory of these Acadian soldiers as part of the commemoration of the centenary of the First World War. In general, the creation of an Acadian unit was an important initiative of the larger Acadian national movement at that time. What is more, Acadian soldiers made a significant contribution to the war, both at the front and also as members of the Canadian Forestry Corps. Although Acadian historiography ignores this experience, local Acadian communities maintain the memory of the military service of their ancestors.