Juno Beach Centre Installation Represents 359 Canadians Killed on D-Day
COURSEULLES-SUR-MER, Normandy, June 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, today joined Second World War veterans and students at the Juno Beach Centre to inaugurate Canada's D-Day Tribute: a sprawling installation made up of 359 maple tribute markers (one for every fallen Canadian killed in action on June 6, 1944) mounted on France's Juno Beach in honour of the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Hundreds of Canadians from all across Canada honoured servicemen from their communities by sponsoring tribute markers in their name. This powerful visual representation of one of the most pivotal offensives of the war helps a new generation understand Canada's sacrifice at Juno Beach and reinforces the links that exist between Canadians and the people of Normandy.
"Canada's D-Day Tribute is a moving testament to our country's sacrifice at Juno Beach and the proud Canadians who honour their legacy to this day," said The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "The Government of Canada commends the work of the Juno Beach Centre for its work both here in France and at home in Canada.
"We are grateful for generous support from Canadians for this initiative," said Don Cooper, President of the Juno Beach Centre. "D-Day was a pivotal moment in Canadian history and we're proud to honour and pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice 70 years ago."
The Juno Beach Centre is Canada's only museum on the D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy, founded by Second World War veterans and volunteers in 2003 as a lasting testament to the Canadian contribution on D-Day and the Normandy Invasion. The funds raised through this initiative will support future commemoration and educational programming.
Image with caption: "Canada's D-Day Tribute at the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, representing 359 Fallen Canadian Soldiers. (CNW Group/Juno Beach Centre Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140605_C2000_PHOTO_EN_2505.jpg
SOURCE: Juno Beach Centre Association
Media Inquiries: Jenna Zuschlag Misener, Executive Manager - Juno Beach Centre Association, Contact: +33 7 82 07 48 26, [email protected]
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