CANADA REMEMBERS D-DAY

June 05, 2009

(June 5, 2009) Ottawa –On June 6th, Canadians remember the heroic service of our Veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy whose sacrifices helped bring an end to the Second World War, says Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia, the Honourable Steven Fletcher.

D-Day was one of the most significant military engagements in our nation’s history and a turning point in War.  On June 6, 1944, Canadian Forces from air, land and sea joined with Allied forces to free Europe from the tyranny of the Nazi regime.  By the end of the day, the Canadians had progressed further than any other Allied troops.

Canada’s triumph at D-Day and the Battle of Normandy was not without great cost. Of the more than 90,000 Canadians who served in the Battle of Normandy, more than 5,000 would lay down their lives defending the values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law that we cherish today. 

“Canadians have a deep sense of gratitude for the brave soldiers who fought and died on the beaches of Normandy to protect the values we hold dear,” said Fletcher.  “We honour their legacy as we look with pride on the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces who continue to defend our freedoms today.”

On June 6th, Prime Minister Stephen Harper will join other world leaders on the beaches of Normandy to commemorate D-Day.

For a list of events in your community, please visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.