Cadets stand guard at National War Memorial to mark 100 years since Vimy Ridge
3,598 candles will be laid at the memorial, one for every Canadian killed
Army cadets are standing guard at the National War Memorial in Ottawa overnight to mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
The vigil began with a ceremony at 7:30 p.m. ET, during which 3,598 candles will be laid at the memorial — one for each Canadian killed in the First World War battle.
A light show is expected to start around 8:30 p.m. and last until midnight.
The vigil is intended to metaphorically replicate the overnight wait soldiers spent in the trenches of Vimy Ridge, before going over the top, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"Visitors will be able to witness the grandeur of the monument and observe the ideals that the Canadian National Vimy Memorial represents," the department's website says.
There will be another ceremony at the National War Memorial at 8:30 a.m. Sunday.
The Canadian War Museum is also offering free admission and special events on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge on Sunday, April 9, CBC News will broadcast a live special hosted by Peter Mansbridge starting at 9 a.m. Eastern Time from the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.
Watch it on CBC TV, CBC News Network and Livestreamed on cbcnews.ca. Or listen to our special on CBC Radio One, hosted by Susan Bonner. Tune in at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.