On June 6, members of the Royal Canadian Legion branch 112 in Whitby, local dignitaries, and members of the public gathered together to commemorate a very important day in history.
It marked the 70th anniversary of D Day, on which after four years of occupation by German forces, the allied countries began a major campaign to liberate Western Europe.
The Canadian contribution began several hours before the actual landing on Juno beach when 450 soldiers parachuted into France before dawn. Several hours later, 14,000 more came ashore on to the beach. Canada suffered more casualties than any other in the British group, with more than 5,000 losing their lives.
The veterans and others in attendance came together to honor that sacrifice and to pay tribute to those who fought for the freedoms Canadians enjoy today. One of the men who parachuted into France 70 years ago was among the crowd.
Whitby’s mayor was on hand to give a summary of the history of D-Day, and also to give thanks to the men who fought so long ago. The president of the Legion’s Whitby branch noted that these men not only secured the freedoms of Canadians, but also for those people who live in the countries they helped to liberate.
Events like this both honor veterans and ensure that younger generations will be aware of their nation’s history. Brochure printers can help by creating memorial programs that put the event into its historical context.
