The Okotoks Legion is inviting everyone in town to its annual Birth of a Nation Day ceremony and parade.

The event is to honour and recognize the Canadian Troops who fought the World War 1 battle of Vimy Ridge on April 9th, 1917.

Chairman of Canadian Legion Branch 291 in Okotoks Malcolm Hughes says this year's celebration is extra special, as it is the centennial anniversary of the battle.

"It will be a ceremony that we are very proud of, because we're proud of what happened 100 years ago when Canadians took on the hardest part of what was a much larger offensive put on by the British first army, which the Canadian core was a part of."

3,598 men were killed and 7,004 wounded in the battle, Hughes shares how important it is to remember the watershed date in Canadian history.

"Canada was not a voice on the world stage, Canada was still, for all intents and purposes was a colony of the commonwealth countries...Following the Canadians success it was recognized that Canada had an enormous amount to contribute. For the first time ever in its existence Canada had an equal voice in international affairs."

Hughes stresses how Canada's independence grew out of Vimy Ridge, and hopes many people will attend.

"We invite anyone to come along, the parade will march but people don't have to be in the parade if they don't want to, they can assemble on the street or in the park."

The march will begin at 4 p.m. behind the Municipal Centre and will end at the Cenotaph for a wreath laying ceremony.

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