75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
D-Day, and the ensuing Battle of Normandy, was one of Canada’s most significant military engagements of the 20th century. The 75th anniversary of this struggle is a time for us to recognize and remember the more than 90,000 Canadian soldiers who volunteered to serve our country and saw action in the Normandy campaign.
On June 6, 1944, some 14,000 Canadians stormed the beaches of Normandy with Allied troops to breach Nazi Germany’s “Fortress Europe.” On that day—known as D-Day—three hundred and fifty-nine (359) Canadian soldiers were killed.
On August 25, 1944, the Allies liberated Paris, officially ending the Battle of Normandy. More than 5,000 brave Canadian soldiers died—and more than 13,000 were wounded—during this campaign which helped to end the Second World War.
In the months leading up to the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, Veterans Affairs Canada has been partnering with the Canadian Armed Forces, VIA Rail Canada, Parks Canada and community organizations to hold ceremonies in communities across Canada.
These events highlight combat boots—as symbols of all Canadians who served during the Battle of Normandy—during their train journey of remembrance across Canada. The boots represent the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who have traded in their civilian shoes for combat boots to serve in times of war, military conflict and peace.
Check out the upcoming local events, such as the Canadian signature ceremony in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a wreath laying ceremony in Ottawa—both on June 6.
Follow the #DDay75 journey of remembrance with Veterans in Canada and in France, and learn the stories of our fellow Canadians—the Faces of Freedom—some of whom travelled across our country and then sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to bravely serve in Europe during the Second World War.
Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtags #CanadaRemembers and #DDay75. Learn more at veterans.gc.ca/d-day75.
Canada Remembers.
