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Canadian Navy D-Day monument unveiled
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CTV.ca News Staff
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
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I think he was pushed to take matters into his own hands. I have a teenage son and if he was involved with a drug dealer I would be furious and try anything to save him like this father did for his daughter. Why do police often say they can't do anything until it's too late? Whether it be a drug dealer or an abusive spouse, the police can't seem to do anything until something really bad happens. In this case they could have raided the drug dealers home and arrested him. The whole town knew what was going on in that house but yet the police chose to do nothing. Release this man and give him a medal for doing the right thing by his daughter. I can't wait to see the episode on W5, I will certainly be watching this one.
Shelley
W5: How far would you go to save your child?
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Comments are now closed for this story
PatCanadian
said
Ken (Riker) Cranney
said
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
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
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
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
Rob
said
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
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
Gordon
said
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
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
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
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
adrifter
said
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 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
You have a good day.
My dad was a hero....and my hero
said
No more war, no more tears.
Kris
said
Pro Patria.
Doug BC
said
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
Jim in Montreal
said
ex-Canadian
said
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
Scarlett
said
RBW, Hull
said
JB
said
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
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
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
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
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
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
Uncle Harry
said
Bear
said
Walking Man
said
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
Bill in BC
said
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
Different men.
Different times.
Better men.
He collected a pension for his serious wounds after the war - $7 a month.
André
said
Tim from Calgary
said
Mike Webster, Mississauga
said
dwayne-parilment hill
said
Stu from London
said
Gee
said
Harper is a real leader !
said
Rick in NB
said
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 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
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
Ry in the Hammer
said
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
This is an important day and our soldiers in Afganistan fight for the same values.
Tyrone and Yolanda
said
Harpers leadership on the World stage really shows the kind of impact Canada is having the last few years.
Bob Dee
said
justjeff1972
said
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
Colleen McIntosh
said
My thanks, from me and mine, for our fallen hero's sacrifice.
Rest in peace!
Mike Webster, Mississauga
said