Premier Andrew Furey is part of a Canadian delegation in Normandy, France to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Today’s commemorative events have drawn veterans and leaders from around the world.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also in attendance.
D-Day marks a major turning point in WWII, after Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy—the largest seaborne invasion in history.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also in attendance at Juno Beach this morning, the location of the landing of Canadian troops.
“On this day, 80 years ago, Canadian troops progressed further inland than any of our allies, it was a remarkable achievement, and a costly one. I can promise you that Canada and the world, will keep commemorating this significant day for decades and generations to come.”
Prince William spoke at Juno Beach this morning commending the bravery and sacrifices of Canadian forces during the operation.
“Thank you for our freedom, and thank you for your service” he said in tribute to those involved in the assault.
The Allied invasion was a pivotal point in the liberation of France from Nazi occupation, but came at a high cost. Thousands of Allied forces died in the operation.
Rod Deon
D-Day this year is being marked even as conflict continues to take a human toll around the world.
Jenn Deon, whose father Rod was part of a massive contingent of Allied forces deployed from Plymouth, England to Normandy, is reflecting on the 80th anniversary with sadness.
Her father, who passed away last summer at the age of 102, attended the 75th anniversary commemorative ceremonies in France.
At that time there were 58 veterans and this year there are only 13 in attendance. “So dad was always really cognizant of his role in remembering all of his fallen comrades and all of the sacrifices that were made as part of the Second World War.”
Deon says this is a sad occasion, not just because she’s missing her dad, but because despite the sacrifices made, the global situation remains tense and fraught with deadly conflict.
“I am most reminded of Ukraine, and what is happening there now,” says Deon, whose co-worker recently found out that her 22-year-old nephew had been killed in the war.
