OTTAWA,
ON, May 26, 2024 /CNW/ - On June 6, 1944, over 14,000 Canadians stormed
Juno Beach, as part of the largest
combined military operation in history. Canadian soldiers fought
heroically, and side by side with Allies – defending freedom,
liberty, and democracy. The Battle of Normandy came at a heavy
price, with more than 5,000 Canadian troops killed and thousands
more injured – but the Allies won. The battle became a defining
moment for our nation.
We must remember the bravery and sacrifice demonstrated by
Canadians in Normandy. We must honour them, and the more than
one million Canadians who served during the Second World War. We
must pass on their stories for generations to come.
The aftermath of the Second World War and the Allied victory in
Europe led to the foundation of
the modern rules-based international order, an order which has
since underpinned peace and prosperity around the world, and an
order that Canada defends. On the
beaches of Normandy, our troops fought valiantly for peace and
democracy. Many gave their lives so we could live free – and we
will do what it takes to preserve and protect our hard-won
freedoms.
The Prime Minister, Justin
Trudeau, today announced that he will travel to Normandy,
France, from June 5 to 6, 2024, to participate in
commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the
Battle of Normandy and to pay tribute to those who gave their
lives in service of peace and freedom during the Second World
War.
The Canadian delegation will include the Minister of Veterans
Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Veterans,
representatives from Indigenous and Veterans organizations, and
parliamentarians.
Quote
"On D-Day, we remember the 14,000 Canadian troops who stormed
the beaches of Normandy in defence of freedom and liberty. They
fought heroically; they helped liberate Europe; and they changed the course of
history. This milestone 80th anniversary is an important
opportunity to share their stories, commemorate their bravery, and
pay tribute to their immeasurable service, sacrifice, and
legacy."
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau,
Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Allied high command launched the invasion of Normandy on
June 6, 1944, a date that has become
known to history as D-Day. On that day, a massive Allied force
would cross the English Channel, heading for an 80-kilometre
stretch of the Normandy coast. There were five landing zones
assigned to the forces of Allied nations: Juno Beach (Canada); Gold Beach (United Kingdom); Sword Beach (United Kingdom and France); and Utah Beach and Omaha Beach
(United States).
- On August 25, 1944, the Allies
liberated Paris, officially ending
the Battle of Normandy.
- More than 45,000 Canadians lost their lives during the Second
World War, of whom over 5,000 were killed during the Battle of
Normandy, including 359 of our soldiers on D-Day.
Associated Links
- 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
- Juno Beach Centre
- Canada-France bilateral relations
This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca
SOURCE Prime Minister's Office