Remembering D-Day operations June 6, 1944

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the 67th anniversary of D-Day:

"Tomorrow, we will remember and honour the bravery of the tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors and air men and women who supported and participated in the Normandy landings of June 6, 1944, leaving behind their loved ones to defend the free world against tyranny and hatred.

Their legacy endures, as we continue to live by the fundamental values that Canadian troops gave their lives to uphold - freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

D-Day operations, which marked the beginning of the Battle of Normandy, were executed by an alliance of nations - led by Canada, the U.S., Free France, and the United Kingdom - collaborating and fighting together for a common cause. On that day, they overcame incredible adversity to establish the beachheads that led to the overthrow of an enemy so well entrenched in northern France.

Their successful mission to bring liberty to Europe would not have been possible without the hard work of hundreds of thousands of other Canadians who contributed to the war effort right here at home.

As we pause to remember the price paid by our courageous military personnel during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, we will also pay tribute to our men and women in uniform who continue to selflessly serve Canada's interests and help people around the world in countries such as Afghanistan, Haiti and Sudan.

On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to express our most sincere gratitude to Canadian veterans, for a debt that can never be repaid. Lest we forget."