D-Day 80 Special Events & Local Commemorations

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June 6th, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day

News Release
31 May 2024 – Moncton, NB – Veterans Affairs Canada

We live in a country strong and free thanks to the one million Canadians who served in uniform during the Second World War and fought selflessly to achieve peace.
Eighty years later, we are gathering to honour the brave men and women who answered the call of duty and served their country with courage, dedication, and selflessness.

A delegation including Second World War Veterans, their caregivers, and dignitaries will be in Moncton the week of June 3 for a number of commemorative activities. Public events on June 5 include a wreath-laying ceremony at the Dieppe Cenotaph, a sunset service at the Moncton Cenotaph, and a film screening at Victoria Park.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, and the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, representing the Government of Canada on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, will both attend the signature ceremony on June 6, which is also being held at Victoria Park.

On June 6th, 2024, during the official ceremony in Moncton, New Brunswick, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the French Ambassador will be presenting Centenarian Veteran Sir Russell Kaye the rank of Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor in recognition of his personal commitment during the campaign to liberate France in World War II.

By decree of August 6, 2019, the President of the French Republic appointed Royal Canadian Army, 12th Field Regiment Veteran Sir Russell Kaye, to the rank of Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor. The insignia was sent and received by mail, pending the presentation during an official ceremony.

6 juin 2024 — 14h30
Cérémonie commémorative
Parc Victoria
223 rue Weldon, Moncton (Nouveau-Brunswick)

Nous organiserons une cérémonie pour honorer et commémorer la participation du Canada au jour J et à la bataille de Normandie.

D-Day-landingcraft-Priest - 12th Field Regiment RCA - France Juno Beach

Sir Russell Kaye-Centenarian-12th Field Regiment- RCA

Médaille Légion de la légion d'honneur françcaise

Quote:

“On D-Day, we remember the 14,000 Canadian troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy in defence of freedom and liberty. They fought heroically; they helped liberate Europe; and they changed the course of history. This milestone 80th anniversary is an important opportunity to share their stories, commemorate their bravery, and pay tribute to their immeasurable service, sacrifice, and legacy.”

The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts:

The Allied high command launched the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, a date that has become known to history as D-Day. On that day, a massive Allied force would cross the English Channel, heading for an 80-kilometre stretch of the Normandy coast. There were five landing zones assigned to the forces of Allied nations: Juno Beach (Canada); Gold Beach (United Kingdom); Sword Beach (United Kingdom and France); and Utah Beach and Omaha Beach (United States).
On August 25, 1944, the Allies liberated Paris, officially ending the Battle of Normandy.
More than 45,000 Canadians lost their lives during the Second World War, of whom over 5,000 were killed during the Battle of Normandy, including 359 of our soldiers on D-Day.

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