Mr. Speaker, 74 years ago today, in 1944, more than 150,000 allied soldiers assaulted occupied Europe from the air, sea, and land, turning the tide of the Second World War on D-Day. Over 14,000 Canadians would participate in this historic battle on the shores of Normandy. Canadian troops bravely stormed Juno Beach and decisively defeated the entrenched Nazis. Our heroic soldiers captured more enemy territory on that day than did any of our allies.
This serves as a testament to the true strength of character and resolve that existed with the members of the Canadian Armed Forces then, as today. Three hundred and fifty-nine Canadians paid the ultimate price to liberate others from the perilous oppression of Nazi occupation. We must never forget their sacrifice, their courage, and their sheer determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
As Canadians, we thank those who came before us and sacrificed their lives so that we may live peacefully in the greatest nation on Earth, our home and native land, Canada.