Mr. Speaker, June 6, 1944, D-Day, the longest day, marked a turning point in human history. On that day, 132,000 American, British, French, and Canadian troops stormed the Atlantic Wall in Normandy to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression.
Over 14,000 Canadian heroes from across the country went ashore that day, and 355 never returned. This was the first day of a gruelling operation that would drag on for nearly three months. The Canadians' efforts made it possible to push inland to Caen, paving the way for the liberation of France and western Europe.
As a former commanding officer of the Régiment de la Chaudière, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2019 and was the only French-Canadian regiment to take part in the Juno Beach landing, I am especially honoured to commemorate this historic day.
In memory of all those who fell on the battlefield fighting for freedom, let us show our undying gratitude to these heroes by saying, “Never again”.
Aere Perennius!