Ottawa area youth wish bon voyage to Veterans heading overseas at a special unveiling of a minted coin to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landing
Reference: N14050E
June 3, 2014 – Ottawa – Veterans Affairs Canada
On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Erin O'Toole, Member of Parliament for Durham and Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, today unveiled a specially designed silver coin minted to capture the landing at Juno Beach on June 6, 1944. MP O'Toole was joined by Second World War Veterans, Ottawa area youth, and representatives from the Royal Canadian Mint for this special occasion.
Departing this evening for commemorative events in France, the Veterans also took this opportunity to share their stories with students from Mutchmor Public School and Notre Dame High School, who thanked them for their service and wished them a safe trip. The students also confirmed their commitment to honour and remember the sacrifices of all those who served during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
While in France, Veterans will be joined by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister of Veterans Affairs Julian Fantino, and other representatives from Canada in events hosted by the Government of Canada, the Canadian Battlefields Association, the Republic of France and other participating countries.
D-Day was one of Canada's most significant and successful military engagements, and a pivotal moment of the 20th century. D-Day and the campaign that followed in Normandy would help signal the beginning of the end of the Second World War. The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing Canada's proud military history and the bravery and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform as the country approaches the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
613-996-4649
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
