News Release
August 16, 2007
Montréal - Veterans with the Government of Canada's official delegation departed today for France, where they will attend ceremonies honouring their fallen comrades from the Dieppe Raid 65 years ago. Led by the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the official delegation also includes representatives from Veterans' organizations, parliamentarians and youth.
"The Dieppe Raid was the single most costly day for our brave Canadians serving during the Second World War," said Minister Thompson. "On the morning of August 19, 1942, thousands of young Canadians stormed the beaches of Dieppe. With their unfailing courage, they brought hope to the people of Dieppe during the darkest hours of German occupation. We owe a tremendous debt to all those who fought and fell on the rocky beaches of Dieppe that day."
The Canadian delegation will return to the shores of Dieppe, France where almost 5,000 members of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division landed as part of Operation Jubilee. Canada suffered more than 3,300 casualties that day, including 913 Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom. Another 1,946 Canadians became prisoners of war.
While in France, the delegation will visit several of the beaches upon which Canadian troops landed 65 years ago, as well as the Cimetière des Vertus (Dieppe Canadian War Cemetery), where 707 Canadians are buried. The delegation will also participate in ceremonies of remembrance at some of the many monuments erected in honour of the fallen. Canadian Veterans will be welcomed by the citizens of Dieppe with a variety of public ceremonies and parades planned in their honour.
More information on in-Canada and overseas events, including reports and photos, can be found on the Veterans Affairs Web site.
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Media Enquiries:
Janice Summerby
Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
(613) 992-7468
Richard Roik
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
