Sunday marks 60th anniversary of D-day

Veterans’ Affairs Release

Sixty years ago Canadians stormed the beaches of Normandy, changing the course of the Second World War and ensuring victory. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), in partnership with the Department of National Defence, the Government of Ontario, and Veterans’ organizations have many events planned to pay tribute to the men and women who fought on D-Day and throughout the Battle of Normandy. In Rainy River a special D-Day dinner is being served on Sunday at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 54.
“The 60th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy is quickly approaching and plans continue for a wave of remembrance ceremonies across Canada,” stated the Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Veterans Affairs. “We encourage Veterans, their families and Canadians-especially young Canadians-from coast to coast, to participate in the upcoming ceremonies and events that recognize our nation’s Veterans.”
“It’s vitally important that we remember the thousands of brave Ontarians and Canadians who made sacrifices - including the ultimate sacrifice - to protect the freedom and the quality of life that we enjoy today,” said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty. “I encourage all of us to pay tribute to our veterans by attending a D-Day and Battle of Normandy commemoration or by participating in Remembrance Day ceremonies this year.”
In Ontario, the government is hosting its grand provincial commemorative ceremony on Sunday, June 6, 2004, on the south grounds at Queen’s Park in Toronto commencing at 4 p.m. All are welcome to attend and pay tribute to the men and women who fought for our freedoms on D-Day and in the Battle of Normandy.
This will be co-ordinated with other commemorative events earlier in the day hosted by the City of Toronto and the Lieutenant Governor, as well as with three significant Marches of Remembrance led by 32 Canadian Brigade Group, Cadets Canada and the Mayor of Toronto. These marches involve 1,000 troops in full battle gear, 1,000 cadets, veterans, marching bands and colour parties who will commence from different locations in the city and converge on Queen’s Park for the grand provincial commemorative ceremony.
For more information on events happening in Ontario, visit http://ontarioremembers.ca.
The anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy will be officially recognized nationally on Sunday, June 6, with a ceremony of remembrance held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa at 10 a.m. A significant number of Canadians travelling to France will also mark the anniversary overseas by attending the Canadian ceremonies in the Normandy area.