Statement from Official Opposition Veterans critic, Peter Stoffer, on the 69th anniversary of D-Day

On Tuesday June 6, 1944, more than 24,000 Canadian soldiers landed on the beaches of Normandy as part of the largest armada in history.

Sixty-nine years ago today, heroes from across Canada, including the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and the North Shore Regiment from New Brunswick, fought side by side with the Americans, the British, the Poles, the Australians, the New Zealanders and other Allied troops to stop the scourge of Nazism that was raging across Europe.

As our first wave of soldiers landed on Juno Beach, they took heavy casualties—but through courage, a deep sense of purpose and pure Canadian grit, they persevered, securing Juno beach within two hours. All Canadians can take pride in the knowledge that Juno Beach is recognized as one of the most successful D-Day operations.

Today we pay tribute to the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives, honour those brave veterans who are still with us today, and reflect on the freedoms that we enjoy thanks to their tremendous sacrifice.

Lest we forget.