D-DAY A DAY IN HISTORY

As we all go about our day, give some thought and appreciation to those who stormed the beaches of France in Normandy to begin the invasion of Europe. Canadians fighting on Juno Beach! As we fast forward to modern times, do we still hope that the current conflicts in the world would be the last! Here's to our military families everywhere and the sacrifices they make. Here's to our old veterans with a big hug, kiss and thank you!

D-DAY 70TH ANNIVERSARY-TIME TO REFLECT ON CANADA'S CONTRIBUTION

June 6 1944 was such a major military mission that when reviewed historically it never ceases to amaze. Timing the exact day to try the invasion of Europe. Needing the right weather, the tide to be out and the element of surprise made the landing in Normandy a monumental task. 156,000 armed forces! The Canadians landed at Juno Beach. Glider planes landing behind enemy lines with equipment! Tanks, ships, planes! Montgomery felt it was not as successful as he wanted but history tells us it was a success. In 3 months, the Allied Forces were going into Germany with the Soviets coming from the East. Italy had been liberated with that campaign starting in September 1943.
Reflecting on this event it is so hard to imagine what that day was like for the men and women who served. We see old men on TV at anniversary events telling their story. Since it is the 70th anniversary of D-Day there are special celebrations in France as we speak. It is often bittersweet. Remembering brings tears and feelings, happy to be there but remembering the day and those who were lost. Since it has been 70 years, the veterans are getting up there-many now mostly in their 90s! If you see a Vet, get their story. If you have a Vet in your family, write it down as part of your family history. In Canada, you can write for your loved ones war records. I have the records on my grandfather from World War One.
We do not remember the events of war to honour war. We remember to acknowledge the sacrifice that others have made for our lives and our freedom, peace and security in Canada today. Yes if you can hug the Vet and get a picture. Seeing one gentleman on TV in Normandy, treated like a celebrity by the people there, make my heart happy. For those young people to let our guys know it meant something, the least we can do is tell our guys they mean something to us.

THE CANADIANS AND D-DAY-JUNE 6 1944

Todays marks the 69th anniversary of D-Day- the Allied landing at Normandy to liberate Europe. The Canadians were there in full force. A little research-as there is so much written not only about the day but the war itself-gave some needed information for this post. Juno Beach was the location of the Canadians' landing. It is 1.5 km east of Gold Beach. La Riviere in the west and of Saint-Aubin-Sur mer in the East. A beach area totalling 8 km. Did you know who were the first soldiers from Canada to land? They were the 7th Brigade- the Royal Winnipeg Rifles regiment and the Regina Rifle regiment with the 8th Brigade-the Queen own Regiment and North Shore Regiment belonging to the 3rd Canadian infantry division. They were supported by the British Royal Mauve Commando 48. As the day progessed, the toll was great- 1074 soldiers were killed or wounded. The film "Saving Private Ryan" is a modern movie that depicts that day quite graphically. Of course we all have seen other movies and raw film footage over the years. History-our history in the making. For the men who served that day, the people of France and other countries are eternally grateful. For us Canadians, we say thank you for the efforts and the sacrifice! War is not remembered to glorify it but as a reminder to work for peace! To reflect on the toll taken on lives, families, countries! So the next time you see a Veteran-recognize the effort made and just say thanks! If visiting France, Juno Beach would be a stop to remember our forces and reflect!!