6 June 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement today on the 65th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy:
"As the sun rose over the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, Canadian forces came together from land, air and sea in the pursuit of freedom. By the time the sun set, the Canadians had progressed farther than any other Allied troops. Sixty-five years later, Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast and around the world honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
"In the days and weeks that followed D-Day, more than 90,000 Canadians fought through the dust and summer heat of Normandy. More than 5,000 laid down their lives. Canadians must never forget their sacrifice.
"Today in France, I am honoured to join leaders of Allieds countries whose soldiers fought together 65 years ago. We have come together to pay tribute to those who served, fought and fell, in defence of values we hold dear. In doing so, we renew our vow to allow neither time nor distance to lessen our remembrance. Together we reflect on the events that shaped our history.
"We reflect on the Canadians who fought with pride in one of Canada's most significant military engagements of the 20th century. We reflect on their bravery and on their legacy. On the eve of Canadian Forces Day, with Canadians once again serving bravely and sacrificing so much as part of the NATO mission in Afghanistan, we must also renew our pledge to never take these sacrifices for granted.
"I join all Canadians today in extending our most sincere and heart-felt thanks to our veterans. In their service to Canada they have contributed to making our country what it is today. Lest we forget."
