Okotoks residents are encouraged to head to the Museum and Archives to remember the World War 1 Battle of Vimy Ridge.

The 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ridge exhibit will run until June 30, 2017, and features artifacts, letters, and descriptions of the battle.

Museum Specialist Kathy Coutts shares the Museum and Archives wanted to bring extra awareness to the battle as this year marks a special anniversary.

"Because it is the 100th anniversary of The Battle Vimy Ridge we wanted to bring special attention to it this year. The exhibit features five or six panels that talk about the planning that went into the battle, executing the battle, the success and failures of the plan. When I say failures, it was a costly battle, several Canadians died. It was a great achievement for Canada because several Canadian battalions worked together and developed a plan that worked. The British had tried, the French had tried but it was up to the Canadians and they were successful."

Coutts explains the exhibit features personal letters from soldiers in Okotoks during the war, giving an inside look at The Battle of Vimy Ridge.

"There were several soldiers from Okotoks who fought at Vimy Ridge, and unfortunately there were 3 that lost their lives. Several were injured but many came home, and were able to pass on their memories. Part of the exhibit has letters from those who served at Vimy Ridge and I have included excerpts from 3 letters, they're very poignant letters, they almost bring you to tears because of their experiences that they describe."

For more information on the museum and archives click here

News, comments, story ideas? Email us, news@okotoksonline.com