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'May we never forget their tremendous sacrifice'

NEWS RELEASES OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA LIBERAL LEADER JUSTIN TRUDEAU *************************** Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the anniversary of D-Day Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today to

NEWS RELEASES

OFFICE OF THE
PRIME MINISTER
OF CANADA

LIBERAL LEADER
JUSTIN TRUDEAU

***************************
Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada on the anniversary of D-Day

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today to mark the 69th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, D-Day:

On the morning of June 6, 1944, Allied Forces from Canada, the United States, Great Britain, and other Allied nations launched one of the most ambitious amphibious assaults of all time along an 80-kilometre stretch of beach in Northern France to put an end once and for all to Hitler’s occupation of Europe.

It is an enormous source of national pride that Canadians played such a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the D-Day landings, one of the great battles of the Second World War.

On that day, our airmen dropped thousands of pounds of bombs on German coastal fortifications, protected our soldiers on the beaches and attacked German formations on the ground.

Our paratroopers captured enemy positions and destroyed enemy infrastructure.

The 109 vessels and 10,000 sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy helped keep the German fleet bottled up in ports, cleared mines across the English Channel, silenced enemy batteries on the shoreline, and carried Canadian troops and landing craft to the battle.

Finally, the soldiers of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade through raw courage, grit and determination engaged in fierce combat on the beaches and in the small towns of Normandy helping smash the first line of German coastal defences.

In fact, by the evening of June 6, 1944, Canadian troops had progressed further inland than any of their Allies - a proud and remarkable accomplishment.

The day took a heavy toll. 

To secure victory on D-Day, 340 Canadians gave their lives, 574 were wounded and 47 taken prisoner.

Let us pause on this day to recall and honour the noble sacrifices of these heroes who with other Allied forces turned the tide of the war, rid Europe of the Nazi scourge, and paid a price so that we and so many others might be able to enjoy peace and freedom with our families.

While it is an impossible debt to repay, we honour their memory.

Lest we forget.

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Statement by Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau on the Anniversary of D-Day

MONTRÉAL - Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau made the following statement today on the anniversary of D-Day:

Today we remember the day 69 years ago when Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen assaulted the Normandy coast in a battle that would ultimately turn the tide of world history.

June 6, 1944, will live forever in the memory of our nation and all those who know that democracy and freedom require extraordinary sacrifice.

At this time, we also honour the dedication of our women and men who are in the Regular and Reserve Forces.

Whether at home or abroad, we thank them for their bravery and service.

Let us pause today to remember and celebrate the courage and example of all those who have and continue to serve.

May we never forget their tremendous sacrifice.

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