High River, several years ago renamed 8 Avenue from Centre street to 5 Street Veterans Way to recognize the contributions of Canada's veterans.

The renaming of Okotoks' Centre Ave. to Veterans Way will become official at a sign unveiling April 9.

The presentation of the sign falls in line with Okotoks' Birth Of A Nation Ceremony and parade march which commemorates the Battle of Vimy Ridge in the First World War.

The parade will start at 6 P.M. at Elks Hall, and it will run down Elizabeth St. to the Cenotaph for the ceremony, afterwards the sign will be presented on the corner of Elma Street and former Centre Ave.

Okotoks Legion member Malcolm Hughes says there will be a lot of people involved, including some familar faces .

"The parade will consist of the Legion Colour Party, and Legion members, there will be a representation from a Reserve Field Ambulance Unit in uniform, first responders and Cadets," he says. "MP John Barlow, our MLA Wayne Anderson and Mayor Bill Robertson will be taking part in the ceremony, we'll be laying wreaths at the Cenotaph"

Hughes says he's thrilled town was so open to the name change.

"We petitioned the town and they acted very quickly, we were absolutely delighted with the way the town responded to that. We had to go through the process of having the signs approved, which happened early this year, and the town has quickly gotten the signs made and we're ready to go."

He says anyone in town can check out the ceremony and the parade.

"We welcome anyone to come and turn up, we're hoping members of the community will join us."