Photo: Canadian War Museum

Apr. 1917 file photo from Vimy Ridge.

Two platoons and a colour party from the British Columbia Dragoons will parade past the Vernon Cenotaph to mark the 100th anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge on Apr. 9.

The Dragoons will perform a series of march manoeuvres ahead of a commemoration ceremony at 10 a.m.

The World War One battle, on a heavily-fortified ridge in France, is considered by many historians as a defining moment for Canada but victory came at a terrible cost – with more than 10,000 killed and wounded.

Dignitaries include the Royal Canadian Legion's Dennis Windsor who will act as Master of Ceremonies, Legion president Bill Balcaen, Mayor Akbal Mund, Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster and North Okanagan Shuswap MP Mel Arnold.

The commanding officer of the B.C. Dragoons, Lt.-Col. Mike McGinty, will place a wreath in memory of the many Canadians who lost their lives at Vimy Ridge.

The Kalamalka Highlanders are also taking part in the commemoration.