Cadets stand guard at National War Memorial to mark 100 years since Vimy Ridge

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 beganwith 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.

• CBC News coverage of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge

The vigil is intended to metaphorically replicatethe overnight wait soldiers spent in the trenches ofVimyRidge, 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 ofVimyRidge on Sunday, April 9,CBC News will broadcast a live special hosted by Peter Mansbridge starting at9 a.m.Eastern Timefrom the Canadian NationalVimyMemorial in France.

Watch it on CBC TV, CBC News Network and Livestreamedoncbcnews.ca.Or listen to our special on CBC Radio One,hosted by Susan Bonner. Tune in at10 a.m.Eastern Time.