Government of Canada commemorates 75th anniversary of D-Day at HMCS Haida National Historic Site
News release
June 5, 2019 Hamilton, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history. Each national historic site tells its own unique story, part of the greater story of Canada, contributing a sense of time, identity, and place to our understanding of Canada as a whole. Moored in Hamilton, Ontario, HMCS Haida, now a national historic site and the ceremonial flagship of the Royal Canadian Navy, participated in D-Day operations on June 6, and in the supporting naval campaign throughout the spring and summer of 1944.
On that D-Day, some 14,000 Canadians stormed the beaches of Normandy, supported by allied forces including Canadian naval and air force units, helping to breach the Nazi’s “Fortress Europe”. It was one of Canada’s most significant military engagements, and a pivotal moment of the 20th century. D-Day and the campaign that followed in Normandy, France, marked the beginning of the end of the Second World War. HMCS Haida was part of the 10th Destroyer Flotilla guarding the western approaches in the English Channel to prevent any counter attack by the German Kriegsmarine, ensuring a clear landing for Allied soldiers on the beaches.
Today, Parks Canada commemorated the 75th anniversary of D-Day with a special ceremony held at HMCS Haida National Historic Site in Hamilton. The evening was filled with historical demonstrations and programming including an immersive sound and light show, Second World War military vehicles, and a unique outdoor screening of "Storming Juno".
Parks Canada is working with community partners and stakeholders to develop unique and engaging programs and events that pay tribute to the sacrifices made by Canadians during the First and Second World Wars. By encouraging Canadians to visit their national parks and historical places, and providing them with the information and means to enjoy them, Parks Canada allows more Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn about our heritage.
Quotes
“National parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are. HMCS Haida was such an integral part of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. It is deeply meaningful to hold such a poignant event at this national historic site. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about our history by visiting Parks Canada’s places across the country, including places that played an important role in preparation for D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
"D-Day and the Battle of Normandy was a pivotal chapter of the Second World War, marking the beginning of the liberation campaign in Western Europe as the Allies pushed back the occupying German forces. The Canadian troops’ success on the battlefields came at a high cost. Today, we reflect upon those who served, and promise never to forget their courage.”
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan,
Minister of National Defence
“This week, as we recognize and remember the more than 90,000 Canadian soldiers who volunteered to serve our country and saw action in the Normandy Campaign, may we each take time to remember that we live in a country strong and free thanks to those who fought selflessly to achieve peace. Thanks to Parks Canada for maintaining the flagship HMCSHaida for Canadians and visitors alike to remember our proud military history and honour all those who have served Canada in uniform.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay,
Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
Quick facts
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Now an national historic site managed by Parks Canada, welcoming visitors to learn about this country’s remarkable naval history, HMCS Haida is the world’s last remaining Tribal-class destroyer and one of the few surviving ships that fought in the Normandy Campaign, earning battle honours for her exemplary service. HMCS Haida subsequently served in the Korean War and the Cold War before being retired from active service in 1963, earning the moniker, “fightingest ship” of the Royal Canadian Navy.
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HMCS Haida contributed to the 10th Destroyer Flotilla tasked with clearing the English Channel and participated in testing “Moonshine”, a radar confounding device that mimicked the presence of hundreds of Allied ships to confuse and deceive the German defenders along the coast of occupied France.
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Operation Neptune was the codename for the naval component of the Normandy landings. It was the largest combined military operation in history.
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Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of 171 national historic sites, 46 national parks, one national urban park, and four national marine conservation areas.
Associated links
Contacts
Brett Levitt
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit
289-969-3279
brett.levitt@canada.ca
Sabrina Kim
Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
819-938-9413
sabrina.kim2@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca
Media Relations
Veterans Affairs Canada
613-992-7468
vac.media-medias.acc@canada.ca
Alex Wellstead
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs
alex.wellstead@canada.ca
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
613-996-2353
mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca