North Island – Powell River MP Rachel Blaney says it was emotional being part of this year’s D-Day Commemoration.
The commemoration happened in France, marking the 80th anniversary of the invasion on Juno Beach on June 6, 1944. It not only included politicians but also World War 2 veterans and their families, and veterans who fought on D-Day and the battle of Normandy.
Blaney says it struck her seeing how grateful the residents are for the sacrifices made by the Canadian soldiers.
“Throughout the ceremony on Juno Beach and during the parade we walked in, we could see the gratitude they still have,” said Blaney.
“We placed wreaths at six different monuments to the Canadian soldiers who died on the beach. Hundreds of people attended the ceremony or watched the parade, many with Canadian flags.”
She says it was also special and humbling to be part of these events with those who served at the time, including Major-General Richard Rohmer, who flew fighter jets during the war.
“One man I was with was caught and put in a war camp in Poland,” said Blaney.
“We spent time in a courtyard where 20 Canadians were killed, including an Indigenous man whose relative honoured him by singing a song in his language. ”
She says we must remember the history and ask how to come together as a people to avoid destruction through fear and hate.
