Western Canada's oldest regiment celebrated its 135th anniversary by unveiling a new project Saturday. 

The Legacy Stone Project took three years to complete and is an addition to a refurbished monument at Vimy Ridge Park for all those who have served and continue to serve for the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. 

"It was a project undertaken to mark remembrance of those from the past, those from the present and those from the future, as well as those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice," Commanding Officer Lieutenant Col. Denis Desrochers said. "It engages all Canadians and reminds us all of the sacrifice they made." 

The Legacy Stones are plaques surrounding the Royal Winnipeg Rifles monument at the park. Each stone commemorates a person or group that has supported the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. 

Desrochers says there are approximately 300 stones right now, and possibly room for more. 

"They're from various corporate donors, private citizens and different organizations that help make up our great community," he said. "This was so well received and all the stones were purchased so this phase of the project is done."

Regimental Sgt. Major Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Hayden says they had a much bigger crowd on hand for the unveiling than they expected, and it meant a lot to them that so many people were willing to brave the chilly temperatures to show their support for a worthwhile project that hit some bumps in the road on its way to completion. 

"It was an awesome turnout," Hayden said. "At one point there was a bit of concern that we weren't going to be able to do what we wanted to do with this but we persevered and we're here today." 

"It's important to renew and update monuments like these," Hayden continued. "The original stone that was put in place was starting to show its age and we were able to get it refurbished and it's very important that we remember what came before us."