Mr. Speaker, under overcast skies 70 years ago this very day, thousands of brave Canadians battled on land, at sea and in the skies over occupied Europe, when allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and began the march to victory in the Second World War.
However, the Canadian triumph on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy was purchased with much sacrifice, blood and loss. Of the more than 90,000 Canadians who served in the Battle of Normandy, more than 5,000 would give their lives.
Today, we remember those who served, and we reflect on the legacy that they have given into our care: the precious gift of freedom.
Lest we forget.