May 8, 2015
Ottawa - Defence Minister, Jason Kenney, issued the following statement to mark the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) during the Second World War:
“I join all Canadians as we mark the 70th anniversary of the Allied victory in Europe and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Second World War so that we may enjoy the freedoms we value.
“In recognition of the service of those who came before us, it was with great pride that serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces participated in a series of commemorative events held this week to recognize the sacrifices undertaken to bring about the Allied victory, and to pause in memory of all those who died in service to Canada. It was my privilege to have stood with them at ceremonies of remembrance at the Holten and Groesbeek Canadian War Cemeteries, the Wageningen National Commemoration Capitulations and Liberation festivities and parade, and Kamp Westerbork, a former Nazi transit camp that Canadians helped liberate.
“As we carry forward their legacy and honour their sacrifice, the dedication demonstrated by those we remember today carries on and the Canadian Armed Forces remain undeterred in their mission to protect Canada and Canadians, at home and abroad.
“Today’s Canadian Armed Forces is playing a key role in the Coalition efforts dedicated to addressing the severe threat to global and regional security that ISIS continues to represent, in its work in Central and Eastern Europe as part of NATO assurance measures, and in daily domestic and international work undertaken by the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces. In respect to all our veterans, past, present and future, we owe them our never-ending appreciation.”
“Lest we forget.”
– The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of National Defence
Lauren Armstrong
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
