It was the most important seaborne invasion of all time, with the goal of gaining a landing in Nazi-occupied Europe and to begin the long campaign to free a continent of Nazi tyranny, and begin down the road to victory and the end of the Second World War.
The brave soldiers came from across Canada – from farms, towns, and cities; they were teachers, masons, police officers, carpenters – from all walks of life, and all corners of Canada.
Great countries are made by citizens doing extraordinary things for the benefit of others.
There is no more extraordinary thing than to serve your country to fight for freedom, and to risk or lose your life for others.
On this anniversary of D-Day, the turning point of the Second World War, we say thank you to our veterans of that great campaign.
The world was forever changed for the better because of your courage, service and sacrifice. We will never forget.