Sunday April 9, Canada and her allies will mark the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in World War I.

In Nanton planning for a wreath laying ceremony has been underway for a few weeks and volunteers with the Legion found some strong local ties to the battle.

Marylou Slumakie, with the Nanton Legion, said there are 25 names listed on the Cenotaph of soldiers that had died in the World War I.

"There were seven men from the Nanton area that were killed at Vimy," said Slumakie. "We thought that was pretty remarkable."

She said they wanted to pay tribute to the bravery of the solders with a simple ceremony.

They are laying wreaths, playing Reveille and Chaplin Susan Wilkinsom-Matticks will talk about the history of the battle.

While MP John Barlow is stuck in Ottawa he will be marking the anniversary this weekend.

He wishes the men and women in uniform who fought at Vimy Ridge realized the ramifications of what they did for Canada.

"Canada became a renowned fighting force at that time," said Barlow. "But it also brought Canada on to the world stage as it's own sovereign country. It truly was the birth of a nation."

He added it was the first time Canadians fought as a unit, under a Canadian Commander, and they did what no other country was able to do at that time.

The High River Legion is hosting two events to help mark the anniversary, starting with a zone rally on Saturday, April 8 from 8 A.M. to 3 P.M.

They are also hosting a Veterans Luncheon AT 12 P.M. Sunday, April 9, at the Legion.

Claresholm had a dinner and a dance on April 7 while the Town of Okotoks has an ongoing exhibit at the Museum.