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Parade and vigil honoured those who gave their lives at the Battle of Vimy Ridge

More than 200 came to honour the brave soldiers who gave their lives at the battle of Vimy Ridge.
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Members of the 861 Silverfox squadron band march from the parade square following the candlelight parade and vigil to commemorate the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

A candlelight parade and vigil commemorating the Battle of Vimy Ridge took place in Abbotsford on Tuesday evening.

The event, sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion, was held at the Abbotsford cenotaph in Thunderbird Square on Veterans Way.

The annual parade involves veterans, soldiers, cadets, police, firefighters and sheriffs.

Candles were placed in memory of those who served in Vimy Ridge. The band of the 861 Silverfox air cadet squadron provided music.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge took place in France from April 9 to 12, 1917. It was the first battle that was carried out by all Canadian units under Canadian command, which were victorious against three divisions of the German Sixth Army.

There were 10,500 Canadian casualties in the four days of fighting; 1,300 died at Vimy.

Vimy Ridge is identified as the turning point that allowed Canada to have independence from British status. The nation was recognized in its own right and given a voice in international affairs.