Ottawa, Ontario -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement to mark the 68thanniversary of Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day):
“Today Canadians join the international community in celebrating the 68th anniversary of our Allied victory in Europe over Nazi Germany — a regime rooted in racism, anti-Semitism and grotesque violence.
“On this day, let us remember the heroic achievements and sacrifices of the more than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders who put their lives on the line in the Second World War to help end the tyranny in Europe and fight for the universal values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law that we enjoy today.
“Let us recall with pride the numerous cities, towns and other locations where Canadians so distinguished themselves in battle; places like Sicily, Ortona, Juno Beach, Caen, the Falaise Gap, Dieppe and the Scheldt whose citizens still honour and deeply respect the sacrifices made. Canadians also rendered exemplary service in the air war over Europe and in the battles at sea which ensured that vital supplies and munitions kept flowing.
“Let us pay the utmost tribute to the more than 45,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who made the ultimate sacrifice in these far off places, never to be seen by their loved ones again.
“The remarkable contributions by Canada in the war, in terms of the grit, spirit and ingenuity of all those who served and the equipment and technology provided, generated immense international respect for our country as well as immense national pride that united us as never before, allowing us to reach new heights as a nation.
“On this V-E Day, let us reflect on the enormous and proud contributions by those Canadians and Newfoundlanders who fought so bravely in Europe as well as the sacrifices of the Allies who fought alongside them.
“Let us also remember the members of our Canadian Armed Forces who continue to honour our country in the same proud tradition, standing up for what is right in the world, ashore and at sea, in places such as Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa, including most recently in Libya and Mali.”
