Reference N14016E
February 25, 2014 Ottawa Department of Veterans Affairs
The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, issued the following statement today regarding the 69th anniversary of the end of Canadian participation in the Italian Campaign during the Second World War.
"This month marks the 69th anniversary of the end of Canadian participation in the Italian Campaign. Over the course of the 20 months they fought there, Canadians faced difficult battles against some of the German army’s best troops as they fought their way to the north of Italy.
"The Canadians saw action in Sicily from July 10 to August 6, 1943, and in mainland Italy from September 3, 1943, to February 25, 1945, where fighting was particularly bitter. Canadian casualties totalled more than 26,000, nearly 6,000 of which were fatal.
"Today, we are proud that brave Canadians such as those who participated in the Italian Campaign during the Second World War served our country to defend freedom and peace."
For more information on the Italian Campaign, please visit veterans.gc.ca.
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Janice Summerby
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Media Relations Advisor
Veterans Affairs Canada
Joshua Zanin
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Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
All Other Enquiries
1-866-522-2122
National
Veterans Affairs Canada
