63 rd Anniversary "D" Day..

[Alex Blair (RIP)]

Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the 63rd Anniversary of D-Day Landing
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 6, 2007) - The Honourable Gordon O'Connor, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today:

"In the early hours of June 6th, 1944, Canadian troops were poised to play their part in what would be the largest combined amphibious military operation in history. Its goal was to begin the great struggle of liberating Europe from the grip of tyranny.

Today marks the 63rd Anniversary of the D-Day landing at Normandy, France, where tens of thousands of Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen put their lives on the line to turn the tide of the Second World War.

Of these, more than 2000 made the ultimate sacrifice, almost 1000 were wounded, and many were taken prisoner.

As Minister of National Defence, I take great pride in this country's military heritage, and I invite all Canadians to join me in acknowledging the national debt of gratitude owed to our veterans."