MP Gallant marks 63rd anniversary of D-Day

June 06, 2007

Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MP Cheryl Gallant lays a wreath at the Arnprior Cenotaph during a ceremony to mark the 63rd anniversary of D-Day and to re-dedicate the Roll of Honour.

Photo by Liz Wall. Courtesy of EMC Arnprior

ARNPRIOR – Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke M.P. Cheryl Gallant accompanied by the Honourable Greg Thompson Minister of Veterans Affairs, paid tribute to Canada’s veterans at a moving ceremony in Arnprior commemorating the 63rd anniversary of D-Day.

“The D-Day invasion marked the turning point of the Second World War. It was, as many historians have recorded, the beginning of the end. Today, as we observe the 63rd anniversary of the D-Day landings, let us remember that thousands of brave Canadians played a key role in this historic event. More than 2000 Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice with almost 1000 wounded and many taken prisoner,” M.P. Gallant said.

On June 6, 1944, more than 25,000 members of the Canadian Forces took part in the largest sea-borne invasion in history. Their courage and sacrifice played a major role in the success of Operation Overlord, which breached the walls of Hitler’s Fortress Europe.

“On behalf of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, a special thank-you to President Randy Whiteman, Arnprior Branch 174 of the Royal Canadian Legion and Garry Dowd, Branch Sgt-at-Arms and all Branch 174 members in their efforts to make today’s rededication of the Roll of Honour such a success,” remarked M.P. Gallant.

Member of the Canadian Forces played a central role in the Normandy Landing with 14,000 soldiers coming ashore at Juno Beach, 10,000 sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy were involved and 450 Canadian soldiers jumped by parachute or landed by glider behind the German lines.

“Along with our allies from the U.S., Great Britain, France and other Commonwealth countries, the Canadians endured many months of hard fighting that eventually led to final victory over Nazi Germany. They came from every part of Canada, from every walk of life, to risk their lives for freedom. As the Member of Parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke which includes CFB Petawawa, I feel tremendous pride in our military heritage, and I invite all Canadians to join me in acknowledging the national debt of gratitude owed to our veterans. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them,” M.P. Gallant said.

-30-

For More Information Please Call Cheryl Gallant, M.P. at (613) 732-4404