1 September 2009 Ottawa, Ontario
Today Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War.
“Today, citizens around the world will pause to remember the outbreak of the Second World War.
“The war ushered in the darkest era in human history. It was a time characterized by widespread devastation, genocide, and horrific losses of life. It was a war felt in every corner of the globe, including in Canada where more than 45,000 Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.
“However, from that dark time we have learned valuable lessons that continue to guide us to this day. We are heartened by stories of the truly remarkable individuals who resisted tyranny and gave their lives for freedom and justice.
“Canada was one of the first countries to respond at the outset of the war, and time and time again the world saw the bravery of Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen, whether it was at the beaches of Normandy, in Hong Kong, or in the liberation of the Netherlands and Italy.
“They were, are, and always will be heroes. They represent the very best of what it means to be Canadian. They sacrificed to earn a victory that would protect future generations from the horrors they had seen. They deserve our eternal gratitude.
“We will always honour their service and their memory. Lest we forget.”
