The Portage la Prairie Legion commemorated the 103rd anniversary of Vimy Ridge April 9. 

The event was a monumental battle for Canada. It was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps attacked as a composite formation and capturing the ridge helped Britain gain a combative advantage.

Legion President Bob Oldford explains how they honoured the fallen.    

“Thursday morning, of course, we lowered our flag to half-mast, which we do on any of these special days," he notes. "Later, we laid wreaths at the cenotaph just to remind people about the people who have paid the sacrifice in the past and also to celebrate the freedoms they gave us.”

The battle spanned four days, claimed the lives of 3,598 Canadians, and wounded 7,000.

Oldford says the military's sacrifice has given us the freedom to allow us what we’re doing right now.   

“(We) have the medical services that we have, have the capability of isolating ourselves at home, if necessary, and being able to provide us with the benefits we’re having at this time. (We also look at) the sacrifices front line workers are now making the sacrifices for us.”

Oldford adds that they didn't hold a public service this year, but they want people to remember on their own. 

Oldford says this battle had large effects on Canada. 

”Years ago, when the Canadians took Vimy Ridge, it was declared that it was the day we became a nation by other countries on a military basis and as a nation itself, standing together. What we need to do at this time is stand together and do what we’re being told as the soldiers did back then. We will conquer this.”