Ontario Commemorates 65th Anniversary Of D-Day
June 6, 2009 10:00 AM
Premier McGuinty Joins Second World War Veterans At Queen's Park
June 6, 1944, will always be remembered as D-Day.
Ontarians honoured Canada's Second World War heroes during a ceremony at Queen's Park marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
Premier Dalton McGuinty, retired Major-General Richard Rohmer, Brigadier-General John Collin and other dignitaries joined hundreds of veterans in remembering the courage and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers.
The program included a military parade, an inspection of the troops and the laying of wreaths. Members of the public also paid their respects at the ceremony.
One of Canada's most significant military engagements, the Battle of Normandy was key to bringing an end to the Second World War and liberating Europe. The fighting was fierce and came at a high price -- 340 Canadians died and 574 were wounded.
QUICK FACTS
- The average age of Second World War veterans is 85.
- 14,000 Canadian assault troops landed on Juno Beach on D-Day.
- The Juno Beach Centre is a Canadian museum on the D-Day landing beaches.
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ontario.ca/premier
Ontario Commemorates 65th Anniversary Of D-Day
"This special commemoration of D-Day, made on behalf of the people of Ontario, is a salute that is very much appreciated by all of us veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy."
– Retired Major-General Richard Rohmer
"I want to thank our veterans for the leadership and courage they showed on D-Day. As citizens, we all have a duty to perform, too: to remember their stories and never forget the sacrifices they made for our freedom."
– Dalton McGuinty
Premier of Ontario
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