Ottawa — The Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, issued the following statement to mark the 67th anniversary of the Victory over Japan (V-J Day) on August 15, which finally brought the Second World War to an end.
"This year, we mark the 67th anniversary of V-J Day. More than 10,000 Canadians, serving on land, in the air and at sea, took part in the Far East campaign.
Many Royal Canadian Air Force members were assigned to the Royal Air Force, and served with the British Forces in the Far East theatre of operations. Members of the Merchant Navy as well as the Royal Canadian Navy were also present.
The defence of Hong Kong was a particularly brutal chapter in Canada’s military action in the Far East. Of the almost 2,000 Canadians who sailed to Hong Kong in late 1941, more than 550 lost their lives.
Today, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our Canadian troops for their service in the Far East under difficult circumstances and demonstrating extraordinary courage and determination. It is important to commemorate the heroic sacrifices of our Veterans. Their contribution has made our country what it is today. Neither time nor distance will lessen our remembrance."
For more information on the Victory in the Far East, visit Veterans Affairs Canada.
