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British paratroopers from the 3rd Parachute Battailon, England, land in a wheat field outside the village of Ranville, near Caen, Western France, Friday, June 5, 2009, as troops re-enact part of the bloody allied landings of D-Day, the Allied armada which fought its way inland in the unfolding World War II Battle of Normandy, France. (AP / Francois Mori) Prime Minister Stephen Harper waves goodbye as he boards a plane headed to France for the D-Day celebrations on Friday, June 5, 2009. Canadian Second World War veteran Sam Wormington, 88, of the 4th Light Anti Aircraft RCA shows his medals as he is seen in Caen, France, on Thursday, June 4, 2009.(Sean Kilpatrick /  THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Canadian Navy D-Day monument unveiled

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CTV News Video

CTV News: Tom Kennedy in Normandy, France
As the Battle of Normandy, or D-Day, turns 65 Saturday, World War II veterans hope it's a history that will never be forgotten.
CTV News Channel: Retired Col. Michel Drapeau on the new D-Day monument in Normandy
Military history shows the D-Day invasion is one of the most well planned and well executed invasions of all time. It gave the Canadians respect on an international stage.
Canada AM: Veterans share their memoires of the D-Day invasion of Normandy
Three World War II veterans share their memories of the invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day ahead of the 65th anniversary of the fateful day.

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Date: Fri. Jun. 5 2009 1:50 PM ET

On the eve of commemorations marking the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy, a monument was unveiled Friday honouring the role of the Canadian Navy in the biggest seaborne invasion in history.

The ceremony took place not far from Juno Beach where Canadian servicemen stormed ashore to begin the liberation of Europe from the iron grip of Nazi rule.

Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson praised the contribution of Canadian sailors, saying they helped pave the way for victory.

"That morning, Canada's naval contribution far exceeded what anyone might have expected from a country of only 12 million people at the time," Thompson said.

"And on that morning 65 years ago our navy had rightfully earned its place along side the seven other allied nations."

"We're very proud to remember, to honour their service and their sacrifice."

Thousands of people, including aging veterans, gathered on the beaches of Normandy to remember the epic events of 65 years ago, when a force of 150,000 allied troops came ashore, launching the beginning of the end of the Second World War.

Some 14,000 of them were Canadians, from the Third Canadian Infantry Division. The fighting was ferocious and frightening as soldiers faced a fusillade of German machine gun fire.

The priced they paid was high -- 340 of them died that morning.

One of the returning D-Day veterans is Don Roach, who was nineteen on that day.

"Coming back here is sad, so many things you want to forget" Roach recalled.

Tomorrow's anniversary events are expected to be the last, large-scale remembrance involving D-Day survivors. Most are now in their late eighties.

On Friday, above the cliffs that allied soldiers climbed, there was an allied parachute drop to mark the initial airborne phase of the invasion of Europe.

And everywhere, expressions of thanks.

On the beaches were so much blood was spilled local schoolchildren from nearby villages spelled out the words: 'Sixty-five years later. Remembered. Thank you for the peace'.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is en route to Normandy. On Saturday he will join other world leaders on the beaches for commemoration events.

Over the next few days Harper will pay tribute to the Canadian soldiers who perished in the liberation of Europe, visiting some of the many allied war cemeteries that dot the region.

With files from The Canadian Press and a report from CTV's Tom Kennedy

Comments are now closed for this story

PatCanadian
said

Andrew, Just so you know, there is a contingent of grade 12 graduates from the Juno Beach Academy of Canadian Studies there for their graduation. The school teaches Canadian history and has a slight military component. Every year they place flags on the graves of our fallen heroes and are part of the Nov. 11 Remembrance activities. They are a great bunch of kids who honour our military and their accomplishments and learn about everything Canadian.




Ken (Riker) Cranney
said

I agree with Mike Webster !
Great post..
As a Canadian living in the Netherlands they here too pay great respects to those who fell and I am proud of my grand parents (Netherlands Citizens who moved to Canada shortly after the war and became Canadians but were treated like crap in Canada in the early years) did their part in the resistance as well and their families were decorated by the French and Dutch governments of the time. Yes so I agree overall I am proud Canadian of those who gave all and for all that gave. So we could enjoy the freedoms we have today...
In our town in the Netherlands near Rotterdam.. they have even started to celebrate " Canada Day" July 1st..That's how proud they are of our past participations and our part in their liberations.


Independently Minded
said

To all the Con spin interns, how dare you make this sober event partisan!

This is about fallen heroes and a recognition of what our troops have done in Europe and are heroically doing yet again in Afghanistan.

Have you no shame?

I don't care who are PM is, this is about our men and women who served and are serving.

This is about the heroism that conquered a tyrant and freed Europe from the edge of an abyss.

We were there, shoulder to shoulder with the US and Britain to free our European brothers and sisters and I'll be damned if I sit quietly by as you taint the occasion with petty politicking!

Shut the hell up if you have nothing relevant to post about our fallen heroes...


Morg in Mississauga
said

There were no politicians there that morning.
Our contingent was made up of Warriors for the Working Day.
When we had a Navy, an Army and an Air Force.


SK Doc
said

Thank you naval vets...


Golf Company Grunt
said


Alot of comments about we Canadians not fully appreciating our role in WW1 and WW2.I believe this is sadly true.
I also believe it is mostly the fault of our government who would rather you not remember and therefore not see how our military has declined due to their governing.
If it were up to the politicians,our military would be given snow shovels and expected to clean streets and driveways....hey...wait a minute..didn't they already do that ?>>>>

The majority of blame lands squarely on the shoulders of our educators. When you can graduate from high school without taking history, then there is something very wrong. Not to mention political correctness,history revisionists and liberal apologizers.

'Pro Patria'



BrianD
said

With comments like harper should have bocotted this due to the Queen not being invited is beyond stupidity. Harper is representing Canada, paying tribute to our solidiers who died there. He is not attending a French function. Yes we may have liberated France, but on the anniversary, its to pay thanks to our soldiers, thats why our head of Gov, attends. SO to say he should snub the french is ok if its not to do with D-day, but you are asking him to snub our fallen, and for all you made such a comment are acting foolishly and showing disrespect to our solidiers.


Rob
said

To Vern AAFU-Oshawa spokesman

My dear Liberal friend,

Mr Harper has far surpassed what is expected of a PM. As far as I know, he is the only present day World Leader, to vist the FRONT LINES...and he did this three times. I was there during his first vist, so this is not hear say, or what was spun by the press.
Afghanistan is a 360 degree war, he was briefed on the dangers, yet he went to vist the troops, "Outside the Wire",...which my friend, is the front lines.
Winsten Churchill wanted to do the same, for troop morale, but was convinced not to.
Please do not bash a hero, from a coward's row.


Chris
said

As the son of an 87yr old WWII RAF vet and the brother of a current Canadian reserve detachment commander, I have nothing but respect for the Military of all the Allied countries. We often only think about what happened and to whom on days/weeks like this where it is in the news. We need to somehow (and Lord know I don't have the answer how...)ensure that the "younger generations" are taught about how their grandparents and great grandparents sacrificed so that they can have the lifestyle they have now.

Unfortunately the upcoming generations are only going to read about the "Great Wars" in books if they happend to pick them up as it is not properly taught or communicated in the school system.

Dad, Brother, you stand for so many things that we have today and not enough people ever thank you for it.

THANK YOU and I love you.


Jim TT
said

Thank you to all of the Canadians and their allies of that generation who sacrificed so much so that the Canada of my lifetime has been possibly the greatest place and time in the history of mankind.


Gordon
said

The news story mentions that
on the eve of commemorations marking the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy, a monument was unveiled Friday honouring the role of the Canadian Navy in the biggest seaborne invasion in history. I fail to see a picture of the monument. It would be nice for the verterans who could not attend to see it. Better a picture of the monument than a picture of Steven Harper's belly hanging out.




Ry in the Hammer
said

To ds195 and adrifter:

Appologies, I was in a rush and didn't have much time to put my thoughts together there. I had meant to say that she is Queen of the Commonwealth countries that had served as allied forces, rather than "was".

My bad... What happens when you don't have a coffee on Friday mornings!


Ed B
said

Alot of comments about we Canadians not fully appreciating our role in WW1 and WW2.I believe this is sadly true.
I also believe it is mostly the fault of our government who would rather you not remember and therefore not see how our military has declined due to their governing.
If it were up to the politicians,our military would be given snow shovels and expected to clean streets and driveways....hey...wait a minute..didn't they already do that ?


Linda in Vancouver
said

What never ceases to amaze me is how my father,and my uncles saw so much death and destruction,and lived in such horrendous conditions for those years,survived,and came home to become some of the kindest and most gentle people you could imagine.I guess there were many who suffered through PTSD,but I doubt it was very well known in those days.And most who suffered with it,more than likely suffered alone.
This event is not about Mr.Harper.It is about the honour we owe to all those who served.And,it would be far less than appropriate to send anyone other that the Prime Minister.The highest elected official in the country.Regardless of which party is in office,it is the Prime Minister who should bestrow the honours on behalf of the Government of Canada.Not some low level flunkie.Beside,whether you like him or not,you have to be blind not to see that Mr.Harper has a great deal of repect for those who serve.Likely more than any PM in several decades.Anyone less than the Prime Minister would be as insulting as ignoring the Queen's role during those times.What a disgusting omission that was.
My dad won't talk a lot about his time in Europe either.Most of my inquiries are answered with stories about his encounters with the Italians,or the Dutch people they interacted with during quiet times.Beyond all that he just says "there was a job to do,and we did it the best way we could". I am constantly torn between wanting to know more,and not wanting to awaken memories he may prefer to leave in the past.
Today,his best friend of many years is a man who served in the German army.I guess that's a healthy sign.
Thanks to all who served so selflessly.


Robe
said

Thanks Grandpa for fighting for our family's freedom, God Bless all those who died for us all and thanks for bringing the rest home safe for us all so we can be here today.



adrifter
said

To: Ry in the Hammer
I agree the Queen should have been invited to the D-Day anniversay, but you have your history wrong. Queen Elizabeth was not the sovereign during the Second World War. Her father was.


Roswitha Latta
said

COURAGE. In my childrens elementary school the word of the month is courage.

COURAGE and much more is what must of been needed on this morning 65 years ago. The word doesn't change the meaning does.

Is this how the word courage can really be explained to our children. I truly believe it would be if a veteran explained the word courage. A Veteran is an example of true courage.

Sincere gratitude for an event that I cannot even come close to imaganing.

I hope you feel peace and yes courage as you return to the Beach for you have given us peace for with we give THANKS beyond words.


Dennis L. Krahn
said

Walking Man, your post is very astute and very accurate.

You have a good day.


My dad was a hero....and my hero
said

My dad was involved in the DD action on the sea. He said it was terrible the death and bloodshed. Every night he would be sick just because the memories were so strong and yet he was a strong man himself but those memories were so difficult. He was a true follower of Christ and faithfully served Him all his life so I can say with assurance he indeed 'rests in peace'.

No more war, no more tears.



Kris
said

I will hoist a beer tonight in honour of these brave men. In some ways I wish I had been there too.

Pro Patria.


Doug BC
said

GOD BLESS ALL WHO SERVED US SO WELL THEN,AND ALL THOSE WHO SERVE US TODAY.
Special thanks to my late father,who served in Italy, France,and finally in the Liberation of the Netherlands.And to my late mother,who served with the CWAC in Canada.I miss you both every day.And trust me when I say,I know full well you were not "peacekeepers".
Also,special thanks to the people of the Netherlands for the way they honour those who fell in their country.But,for me,and because of the stories my dad passed on about his time there,I am not surprised by how well you do this.My dad told me so often,that starving people in your country would share their last scraps of food with those who came to help.God bless you all.And thanks for taking such good care of my dad.
Well said,"Mike Webster".I can only dream of a Canada in which ALL Canadian students learn real Canadian history as a REQUIRED part of their schooling.And not the "revisionist" nonsense they are shoving down our throats now.I'm assuming they do that to appease our immigrant population.Many of whom are still in denial as to our role in Europe,or even what really happened over there.
I'm only saddened by the ignorance of some of these posts.It's time all real Canadians stood up,showed some pride,and DEMANDED proper recognition and truthful text books about the real history of our armed forces,and of our entire nation.If we don't,I expect this will be the last generation of people who care at all.
PRO PATRIA.


Michele
said

On June 6, 1944 my dad landed on Juno Beach and only a few years before he died did he ever talk about that morning and what it was like. While growing up I always asked him questions about D-Day but he couldn't talk about it, only saying "yes I was there and I made it through" - he would never give me any details, I guess the trauma and the devastation of lives he saw first-hand was too much to remember so it was blocked. After D-Day my father was sent to liberate Holland. I never told my father before he died how proud I was of him for what he did for the world and for Canada. Many thanks Dad and to all veterans of WWII.


Jim in Montreal
said

My Dad, a proud Canadian and Quebecer, passed away 3 weeks ago at 92. He was in the RCN and was part of the D-Day invasion. Although he didn't speak much of it, he saw a lot of things no young man should have to see as he worked Omaha where the Americans got beat up pretty badly. He made it through, but many did not. My gratitude to all that gave the supreme sacrifice, and Dad, RIP from a very, very grateful son. I love you and miss you very, very much.


ex-Canadian
said

One of the things that Harper has stated in his speeches is that for too long the federal govt has put its nose in areas it should stay out of. And forgotten what its main roles are, that is, security, defence, foreign affairs. Harper is acting on that, by honouring an epic period in Canada's history where as one post said: "these were different times, with better men."
Honouring those veterans while some are still alive is the highest calling a Canadian Prime Minister can have. Too bad there is still a cynical view on his attendance from some of the posters here. You folks are one of the main reasons why I left Canada and am now an American.


Ted
said

Yes our PM gets in on another photo op for veterans while voting against Bill C-201.


Scarlett
said

June 6, 1944 is a truly significant day in Canada's history. We should all know what happened on that day and why it is so important. Should we really need the media to remind us? It is a shame that this will most likely be one of the last anniversaries where D-Day survivors will take part. Parents, talk to your kids about D-Day, along with Canada's contributions to other wars/conflicts and our efforts in peacekeeping. We need the next generations to know...to continue the remembrance. This part of Canada's history should be in all school curriculums. To those who say that this is a needless trip, why shouldn't Canada be represented? Yes, times are tough. Should we all just let the date go by with no recognition/remembrance at all? No one can deny the contributions or the sacrifices we made on D-Day. I will remember..and so will my children.


RBW, Hull
said

all the chat about the Conseratives honouring veterans and the armed forces properly while the Liberals do not is false. Under PMs Trudeau, Chretien and Martin seperate Canadian ceremonies attended by the Queen were held at Juno Beach on previous anniversaries. This year its Harper alone how is that special?


JB
said

James Birchall

A very nice tribute to the Allies who fought overwhelming odds and came together to liberate Europe during WWII.

Lest We Forget.


Mike Hutchison
said

Never mind the political fluff and debate about Harper... at least he's there instead of ignoring the ceremonies, I'll give him that. The whole point of this is the 65th anniversary of D-Day - a time to salute those who fought and those who lost their lives or were injured. For those who don't know much about Juno beach, D-Day, or other significant events such as the battle for Vimy Ridge, I suggest you pick up any number of excellent books on the topic (i.e. Pierre Berton's books). You will be shocked and amazed at what our troops endured and how hard they fought - and they are well-deserving of our thanks and gratitude.
Thank you, veterans and current soldiers - your sacrifices are not ignored, and we are appreciative... words can't express how much.


Tim from Calgary
said

Vern,

By Harper showing up, that is showing respect for the veterans. It shows that the prime minister is focusing his attention on the commemorations and the veterans. How would you respond if the leader of our country ignored commemorations such as this D-Day one? I'm sure you would then respond in a negative manner as well.


ds195
said

Ry in the Hammer, you need to check your facts.

Queen Elizabeth was not the Sovereign during the war, her father King George was.

Princess Elizabeth did not take the throne until 1952.

Now, I'm not saying she didn't serve during WWII, or that the lack of an invitation to her was not a snub.

But she was not Queen during the war.


Christine in Sudbury
said

Can we all please leave politics out of this for once? Let us instead take time to remember the brave young Canadians that fought and defended and died in our name.
As a teenager I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the memorial at Vimy ridge and it was one of the proudest and most humbling moments of my life.


Ian
said

It makes me sick that politics still come into play when such historical events such as the Vimy Ridge remeberance comes about. Let's once and for all forget about our politicians and remember those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom as well as those who survived and should be honored.

Bob Dee has it correct by saying that the heroes of this event should be on teh aircraft with the prime minister and not a bunch of the political cronies.

I also agree with a number of others that our military has and will continue to play a huge role in world events and as such, children should be taught about it in school and they can then appreciate what their parents, grand parents and great grand parents sacrificed for their freedom today.

To all the miltary members past and current, all Canadians are proud of what you represent and contribute to our freedom today and in the future.

THANK YOU !!!!!


bettie sk
said

I'm so proud of our Prime Minister. He represents Canada with dignity. He is very sensitive to the great cost our nation paid to liberate Europe from tyranny... twice in one century!! A Frenchman that we met at Juno Beach last year said he cannot get over the fact that Canadians came, not once, but twice, to liberate their country. It was so heartening to hear his sentiment. To visit Beny-sur-Mer, the Canadian cemetery, is truly a wrenching experience. It was so nice that family of the fallen could choose what to inscribe on the tombs of these young men... very touching to read. What a debt we owe these heros.


Uncle Harry
said

Can someone please tell me how sacrificing thousands of fine young men on the killing fields of Europe is "...the defining moment for Canada..." Is this the price for admittance to the Big Boys Club? "Thou shalt Not Kill" says it pretty succinctly.


Bear
said

I would invite all Canadians to go to the nearest Cenotaph tomorrow a pay respect to those who fought and died on the beaches 65 years ago. We will remember them.


Walking Man
said

Sometimes I read these comments and I want to vomit.

Tomorrow June 6th is the 65th anniversary of D. Day. It is about the fallen in WW2 & all wars, not about the attributes of PM Harper.

Leaders from most all countries will be represented at this event, it’s our misfortune possibly that Harper is ours? There are too many Harper lapdogs that try to turn any story into a political platform for our “Glorious Leader” Harper.

Tomorrows anniversary is about the men & women who died getting rid of a ‘another glorious leader’ that didn’t do this world any favors. I lived through those days and am a vet myself, so don’t insult the memories of the fallen, the suffering or the day, with any more political garbage.



Vern AAFU-Oshawa spokesman
said

Why does Harper's attendance to this event, even warrant mentioning?? Judging by the posts here, Harper is being commended for his attendance. BIG DEAL!! That moron never fought in any war. He HAD to attend the ceremony, so don't put him on a pedestal for attending something he was obligated to do. The real focus here should be on the fallen heroes of this battle, THEY ARE THE REAL HEROES!!!


Bill in BC
said

Apparently, there are a few who simply don't grasp the significance of this. This is more than a defining moment in Canadian history, this is a public affirmation of Canadian involvement in the international society and our obligations as members. Of course the :anti-harperites" will choose to turn this into something else, the anti French will focus on snubs, and the Liberals will (of course) try to claim some sort of moral superiority that doesn't exist (as the Liberals have historicaly been most willing to spend blood for political gain).
Regardless, this is a moment of rememberance of a Canadian accomplishment, the begining of the end for a world tragedy, and -most of all- a time to reflect on the cost. Don't loose sight of what's really important here.
PM Harper will do a fine job of representign our government here. He won't let us down or turn it into a political circus.


Gordon in Sarnia
said

A prayer for my Dad who was wounded off Juno Beach on HMCS Sioux 65 years ago tomorrow.

Different men.
Different times.
Better men.

He collected a pension for his serious wounds after the war - $7 a month.


André
said

Mike Webster - I love your post...agree with you 100%


Tim from Calgary
said

I bet Harper knows the difference between Vimy and Vichy unlike the former Liberal Minister of National Defense John McCallum. Or does anyone remember Chretien wearing his combat helmet on backwards when he visited our troops in the Balkans? That was priceless! The Conservatives have always respected our military heroes and continue to do so.


Mike Webster, Mississauga
said

@Rick in NB....I know that. I never said it was in WWII. Nor did I ever say that Dutch school children tend the graves of soldiers who fell at Vimy. Perhaps you ought to re-read my post and try to pay better attention this time. My point was that many many Canadians have no idea about Vimy Ridge or Dieppe or Hong Kong. Many Canadians have this fantasy that we are traditionally peacekeepers. The shocking this is that students in the Netherlands and France and other places where our troops fought and died generally have a better understanding of our history and our sacrifice than people here do.


dwayne-parilment hill
said

This is kind of last minute there has been no mention of this in the press until today


Stu from London
said

Why not, right? It's not like there is anything going here in Canada....oh wait...!?!?!?!?


Gee
said

Needless trip and more wasted money as our country suffers through a deep recession. Bah.


Harper is a real leader !
said

Harper understands something that the opposition leaders have yet to figure out which is that it costs lives to defend and protect our democratic life from tyrants who have tried before to destroy what we so easily take for granted. May not mistake, we will be threatened again and it will be the socialists who will be last in line to defend our great society and culture which they have being trying to tear down.



Rick in NB
said

Mike Webster,
If you're going to knock your fellow Canadians, get the facts straight.
Vimy Ridge Was 9 decades ago ( WW1 ) and it was in France so the school children in the Netherlands hardly ever get there to lovingly tend the graves.
Most Canadian remember.

Shamaro
said

D-Day was a day of victory for Canada and I for one am so thankful, that the generation of Canadians from back then, who sacrificed so much, so we could have what we have today.

D-Day was also a day for many of the Canadian Soldiers who landed on Juno, as a day of revenge and pay back for what happened in Dieppe.

To all the veterans who served in order to keep our freedoms.....thank you.


RPK ~ Kitchener
said

HERO'S ONE AND ALL

Canada is a proud and peacful nation, with a long history of standing up for what is Honourable & Right.

From Butler's Rangers, to the Royal Canadian Regiment, there has been none Stronger, Proud, Loyal & more willing to pay the supreme sacrifice than our "CANADIAN MILITARY" for Freedom & Democracy.

June 6, 1944 was truly one of our Nations Military Finest Hours.

Our appreciation as citizens, is to teach our children, of every generation, the price that was paid for CANADA on these beaches in Normandy.

Our Military brothers and sisters today are doing the same on missions around the world.

CANADA is STRONG & FREE because men and women are willing to come forth and defend what has been bought and paid for in battles past.

CANADA might be a small nation when compared to the giants, however, there are no better Military Forces than the "CANADIAN ARMED FORCES".

GOD BLESS CANADA & OUR MILITARY.


Andrew.
said

There is so much Canadian history in the 2 world wars and Korea, It should be taught in School.


Ry in the Hammer
said

The PM should have boycotted the event after Sarkozy ignorantly snubbed our Queen.

Here's a woman who served during the war, was Sovereign of all the Commonwealth forces, and gets turffed for an invite for the 60th Anniversary.

Whatever your views are on the monarchy, I think even the most ardent non-supporters would agree, the failure to invite Her Majesty to this, of all events, was an insult to those soldiers who died under her Reign.


Nancy: Troops in Afganistan fight for same Values
said

Our soldiers who died liberating France would be happy if they knew Canada, Britian, France and America are still great friends today and still standing up for freedom.
This is an important day and our soldiers in Afganistan fight for the same values.


Tyrone and Yolanda
said

Obama and Harper buddies will both be there. I hope Obama thanks for Prime Minister Harper for most parts of his speech yesterday to the middle east that he borrow heavily from Prime Minister Harper speeches about women rights and human rights all over the world and a balanced approach to the middle east.
Harpers leadership on the World stage really shows the kind of impact Canada is having the last few years.



Bob Dee
said

Why isHarper taking a bunch of Government officials over for the "D-Day" ceremonies !!! Looks like a grand European Holiday for most of them !! Why not take as many as he could of the military who were over so they could take part in the cermoney and memories. We dont need a bunch of beaurcrats travling on the tax payers dime when most were not even born or took part. God ! give something back to our military they were the ones who took part in that terrible day. Harper need to get his priorities straight, i think. -Bsistermary


justjeff1972
said

May this day be forever remembered as another defining moment in our proud history. So many times, Canada has been relegated to have only participated as a 'supporting role' in the Second World War due to Hollywood and the lack of our own history being taught. It pains me that our own youth know little of our contributions to the war effort on the western front, but also in Italy, Hong Kong, Burma, the Battle of Britian, the Battle of the Atlantic, and others.

I wish to convey my immense gratitude and respect to those who served in conflict before me. I also have proudly served Canada for 18 years in the Canadian Armed Forces and am the 5th generation of my family to have served Canada in this capacity.

May we never forget the sacrifices made for the cause of freedom. Lest we forget.


R NS
said

Mr Harper is well respected by the Canadian military, a true leader.


Colleen McIntosh
said

As always, PM Harper proudly represents Canada and Canadians on this day of tribute.

My thanks, from me and mine, for our fallen hero's sacrifice.

Rest in peace!


Mike Webster, Mississauga
said

D-Day represents one of our proudest moments as a nation. It was one of those times where Canadians from coast to coast came together to accomplish something great. While people here in Canada like to ignore our history and pretend that we've always been peacekeepers, the people of France and the Netherlands in particular still remember that Canadians have always been proud warriors ready and able to come to the rescue of others and to fight tryanny. Personally I find it sad that people in foreign countries often do a better job of remembering and honouring our troops and veterans than we do. While people in Canada often haven't heard of places like Vimy ridge, school children in the Netherlands lovingly tend the graves of fallen Canadians six decades after the war ended. We could learn a thing or two from them.


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