This Remembrance Day, join the Juno Beach Centre in looking forward to the 75th Anniversary of one of the most critical events in Canadian military history: the assault on Juno Beach. The Canadian museum and charity will mark this milestone anniversary with an official ceremony on June 6 in Normandy; Canadians are encouraged to engage in the commemoration through the sharing of stories.
TORONTO, Nov. 07, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- During the summer of 1944, nearly 75 years ago, 90,000 Canadians took part in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. They came from across Canada, from every class, occupation, and background. Private Al Kennedy, from Toronto, wanted to be a farmer like his father. Lieutenant Frank Gayner of Winnipeg played in the 1942 Grey Cup. Private Sixteen-year-old Gérard Doré grew up on the shore of Lac Saint-Jean, Québec and lied about his age to join the army. Vancouver native Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Worthington managed a chain of BC pharmacies and lead his armoured regiment into battle. Flight Lieutenant William Black of Halifax married his British girlfriend only a few days after D-Day. Each volunteered to serve their country in a time of great need. Each made the ultimate sacrifice.
The summer of 2019 marks the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Canadians fought from the sands of Juno to the banks of the Seine River, helping to liberate Normandy and bring about the end of Nazi tyranny across Europe. Of those, more than 5,500 never made it home and will forever be buried in Normandy. On the ground, in the skies, and at sea, Canadians played a vital role in the Allied invasion. Every Canadian who served in Normandy volunteered knowing full well they may never return home.
“The 75th anniversary of D-Day will bring people from across Europe and North America together in the spirit of commemoration, to remember the millions of young men and women who risked everything 75 years ago,” said Don Cooper, President of the Juno Beach Centre Association. “The Juno Beach Centre is proud to carry the torch of remembrance for the 1.1 million Canadians who served in the armed forces during the Second World War. Now, more than ever, we need the support of the Canadian public to continue this important mission.”
On June 6, 2019, the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer, France will host Canadian citizens, military officials, students, and politicians alongside veterans and international guests. The Juno Beach Centre Association is leading several commemorative and educational initiatives to mark this important anniversary in Canada and we need your support.
CANADA’S JUNO75 COMMEMORATIVE CAMPAIGN
To mark this milestone anniversary, the Juno Beach Centre is sharing the stories of the Canadians from every region and walk of life who were killed during the Normandy Campaign. Through our Juno75 Commemorative Campaign, we will share the stories of Canadians killed helping to preserve the values and freedoms we enjoy today. Funds raised through this campaign will directly support the Juno Beach Centre and its ongoing programming.
Learn more about the Campaign by visiting: https://www.junobeach.org/5500-canadian-stories/. As the last veterans of the Second World War leave us, it is vital, now more than ever, that we remember and commemorate the sacrifices that were made 75 years ago. Canadians can be immensely proud of their country’s role during the conflict. It is only with the generous support of Canadians from coast to coast that the Juno Beach Centre can continue to teach future generations about the sacrifices and triumphs of those selfless servicemen.
JUNO75 STUDENT PILGRIMAGE
As a special opportunity for the 75th anniversary year, the Juno Beach Centre will take a group of high school students from across Canada on the great Canadian pilgrimage, visiting sites of significance to Canadians in France and Belgium, including Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach. This opportunity, heavily subsidized by the Juno Beach Centre, will allow young Canadians from across the country to experience Canada’s proud military history first-hand. More information, including how to apply, can be found at: https://www.junobeach.org/pilgrimage/
ABOUT THE JUNO BEACH CENTRE: The Juno Beach Centre was established in 2003 by veterans with a vision to create a permanent memorial to all Canadians who served Canada during the Second World War, and to preserve this legacy for future generations through education. The Centre in Normandy pays homage to the nearly 45,000 Canadians who died during the War, of which 5,500 fell during the Battle of Normandy and 359 on D-Day. Fifteen years and one million visitors later, the Centre has been designated a site of national historic significance to Canada. The Association in Canada is a charitable organization which owns and operates the Centre. www.junobeach.org
Media Inquiries:
To learn more about the Juno Beach Centre, the Canadian stories we’re trying to tell, and the upcoming 75th Anniversary of D-Day, please contact:
Jen Sguigna
Program Manager
jsguigna@junbeach.org
+1 519 709-1987
Scott Entwistle
Special Projects Coordinator
sentwistle@junobeach.org
+1 778 872-1466