D-Day and the value of freedom

This Saturday, Canadians will commemorate the 65th anniversary of D-Day, the Day when Allied troops began the final push to free Europe from Hitler’s tyranny. On that day, 15,000 young Canadians swept ashore at Juno Beach to give their all for their country.

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When Canadian forces hit the beaches at Normandy, they did not know what the next day would bring. Their task must have frightened them. They went forward, however and achieved victory--a victory that sharply changed the course of history. It’s unfortunate that fewer and fewer Canadians appreciate the important role played by Canada’s land, sea, and air forces in the successful invasion of occupied France. In all, Canada contributed 126 naval ships, 38 air force squadrons and 13 army regiments to the operation, and almost 1,500 Canadians were killed or wounded on that fateful day. This contribution was all the more remarkable in that, unlike their American and British counterparts, every Canadian who took part in the fighting was a volunteer. It’s this latter fact that I find most fascinating - and most inspiring. As with most soldiers who experience combat, the Canadians who fought in Normandy would say that they were motivated by a commitment to their own safety, as well as the safety and survival of their friends and comrades fighting alongside of them. On a larger scale though, they were also fighting to destroy the most evil regime that had ever existed to that time, to defend those who were threatened by that regime, and to restore freedom and dignity to those who were its victims. Today, the world is once again watching as dictators’ arm and diplomats wring their hands in despair. In the last several years – indeed, in the last few days, we have witnessed brazenness on the part of tyrants and their cult-followers not seen since the dark days of the 1930s and early 1940s. Iran and North Korea – countries run by two of the world’s most brutal and repressive regimes – are each on the verge of acquiring offensive nuclear weapons. And while one can overstate the threat, the question does need to be posed, are we as Canadians prepared to step forward--are we prepared to volunteer in the battle against tyranny? In Afghanistan, the answer has clearly been yes. Our Canadian troops there have shown the same commitment to duty as our forces did on D-Day, 65 years ago. They have shown the same willingness to fight for freedom that Canadians have long been willing to fight for. No one truly knows what the future holds for our country and the world. But whatever that future may be, we of our generation must be ready, willing and able to volunteer to meet these challenges with the same courage demonstrated by the heroes of D-Day. John McCrae wrote in his immortal poem In Flanders Fields: “To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high…” Over the years, those who are part of the “greatest generation” must have wondered if that torch had burned out. They must have wondered if Canadians were willing to sacrifice for a cause greater than themselves. On this 65th anniversary of D-Day, we say to you: rest easy. The torch burns brightly in the hearts of young Canadians. Canada is still a country willing to volunteer, we are still a country that is willing to fight, and we are still a country that values freedom. We will not forget our history. Their sacrifice will not have been made in vain. We pledge it.

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