Toronto commemorates D-Day at Nathan Phillips Square

Toronto commemorated D-Day and the Battle of Normandy with a solemn ceremony at Nathan Phillips Square.

It’s the 69th anniversary of June 6, 1944, the day Canada took part in the Allied invasion of France. The offensive marked the beginning of the liberation of German-occupied France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark, and helped to end the Second World War.

“There may be fewer veterans than in years past, but our pride in them is as strong as it ever was,” Mayor Rob Ford said during the ceremony.

War veterans, honour guards and bands participated in the Nathan Phillips Square ceremony, and singers performed popular songs from the Second World War. Breakfast Television’s Kevin Frankish was the master of ceremonies.

“The collective experiences and stories of Canada’s veterans who fought in Normandy have provided Canadians with a proud and lasting legacy that will continue into our nation’s future,” Minister of Veterans Affairs Steven Blaney said in a statement.

More than 150,000 troops, many of them Canadian, risked their lives in the invasion. More than 10,000 soldiers were killed or wounded as allied troops came ashore. The assault, which targeted five beaches across France’s Normandy region, is one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history.

“We remember those who served and Canadians continue to cherish the values for which they fought and died. These values guide much of what we do today and reflect our free and peaceful country. We must never take this for granted,” Blaney said.

“Our triumph came with a great price. The Canadians suffered the most casualties of any divisions in the British Army Group. In the days and weeks that followed D-Day, more than 90,000 Canadians continued to fight through the summer heat of Normandy. More than 5,000 Canadians laid down their lives there in service to their country.”

In Normandy, a full day of ceremonies – including fireworks, concerts and marches – was planned to honour the troops.