OTTAWA – “As the host venue for the D-Day 70th anniversary ceremony, the Juno Beach Centre is pleased that the Government of Canada will support Canadian Veterans as they return to Normandy for this important milestone in Canadian history. We continue to honour their service and to commemorate Canada’s contribution during the Second World War,” said Don Cooper, President of the Juno Beach Centre Association
On Sunday, Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs joined with Parliamentary Secretary Erin O’Toole at the Ontario Regiment Armouries, in Oshawa, to announce the Government ofCanada’s intent to provide financial support to help Veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy attend 70th anniversary commemorative events in France on June 6, 2014.
This is part of a special week of events taking place from June 5 to 8, 2014, when Veterans and delegates from participating countries will gather in France to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. The Government of Canada is committed to recognizing Canada’s proud military history and the bravery and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform as the country approaches the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.
“The success achieved in Normandy is a pivotal moment in Canadian history, and is now deeply rooted in our national character. It is a humbling honour to once again pay tribute to Canada’s brave Veterans and express our gratitude on the 70th anniversary of D-day,” said Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs.
Minister Fantino invited Canadian D-Day Veterans to reach out to Veterans Affairs Canada so that they can take part in the overseas ceremonies. All Veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy are eligible to apply and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible by contacting 1-866-522-2122, visiting veterans.gc.ca or e-mailing Normandy-normandie@vac-acc.gc.ca.
Quick Facts
- To support Veterans who wish to participate in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy ceremonies in France, Veterans Affairs Canada is offering up to $2,000 per eligible Veteran.
- A number of travel companies offer packages to Veterans to commemorate D-Day and the Battle of Normandy.
- All Canadian Veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy are eligible to apply for the travel assistance.
- Veterans Affairs Canada is expecting that approximately 180 Veterans will apply for the travel assistance.
- Tremendous sacrifices were made in Normandy, with more than 18,000 Canadians among the casualties—over 5,000 of whom would never see their homes again.
“It is a privilege to celebrate the valour shown by Veterans of the Second World War, defending values that we share as a nation. Now, 70 years after D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, Canadians continue to find inspiration in that extraordinary achievement,” commented Major-General Richard Rohmer, OC, CMM, DFC, QC, Senior D-Day/Battle of Normandy Veteran, Minister’s Advisor of the 70th anniversary of D-Day
“Communities in Durham, like towns and cities across Canada, respect the tremendous service and sacrifices of our Veterans. D-Day represents the triumph of democracy over tyranny, and it is important to commemorate with the Canadians who were part of this victory,” stated Erin O’Toole, MP for Durham and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade
