Ottawa Journal by David Tilson MP — Honouring Canada’s D-Day and Battle of Normandy vets

June 18, 2015 · 0 Comments

This year marks the 71st anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, one of Canada’s most significant and successful military engagements.
Our government is proud to pay tribute to Canada’s veterans who served in this great battle, helping turn the tide of the Second World War and liberate Europe from Nazi tyranny.
June 6, 1944, Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen, along with Allied troops, stormed the German defences on the beaches of Normandy. Against difficult odds, the Canadian troops courageously advanced further than any of their Allies that day. Canadian troops played an integral role in the success of the D-Day landings. This victory, however, came at a great cost with 340 Canadians paying the ultimate sacrifice D-Day alone.
Canadians troops continued to play a monumental role in the months that followed, during the Battle of Normandy. A stronghold for Nazi forces, the Normandy campaign was a hard-fought battle, and Canadian troops played an important role in the offensives that would ultimately defeat Nazi forces and help bring an end to the war in Europe. Canadian troops suffered the most casualties of any division in the British Army Group with more than 18,000 casualties including more than 5,000 Canadians giving their lives.
D-Day was a pivotal moment in history. The accomplishments of Canada’s veterans during the Second World War are a source of great pride for Canada. These Canadians courageously and sacrificially fought to defend freedom, democracy, and the rule of law — values that we continue to enjoy today.
My daughter, along with fellow students from Westside Secondary School, Centre Dufferin District High School, and Orangeville District Secondary School, are currently in Europe on a battlefield tour, under the leadership of history teacher, Neil Orford, honouring our veterans and those who gave their lives for peace and freedom.
Canada’s veterans have served our country with great distinction and our government is committed to giving all veterans the support they need and deserve. We owe them for defending our rights and freedoms and we are forever indebted for their sacrifices and accomplishments.
Lest we forget.