A few days ago, a number of events were held in France to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D Day and the Normandy landings. Four veterans residing at Ste. Anne’s Hospital (SAH) were on site as members of the Canadian delegation.
On June 6, 1944, more than 14 000 Canadian soldiers took part in one of the most decisive military operations of the Second World War. Our heroes were deployed to Juno Beach in Normandy. On that fateful day, 359 compatriots gave their life during that dangerous mission.
The Canadian delegation, including a medical team from SAH, took part in a number of commemorative events, including a tribute to Canadian soldiers at Bény-sur-Mer. It was a unique opportunity for our SAH veterans to salute their fallen brothers in arms. At a cemetery dedicated to our compatriots, they unveiled a new stele honouring Canadian infantrymen and pilots who gave their lives on the field of battle.
This visit by the Canadian delegation, from June 2 to 9, was marked by memories and emotions, but also heartwarming reunions.
Click here to watch a report broadcast by Radio-Canada that features some of the delegation from Ste. Anne’s Hospital prior to their trip to France.
Photo 1: The medical team from SAH, who tended to the well-being of the Canadian delegation. On the left is Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Audet of the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, who assisted the medical team.
Photo 2: Dignitaries took a moment to speak with our veterans. In the photo (left to right): Mr. Gabriel Attal, Prime Minister of France (standing); the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada (kneeling); and William, Prince of Wales (leaning).
Photo 3: During one of the commemorative ceremonies, Dr. Geneviève Richer, medical chief of the Canadian delegation and honorary lieutenant colonel of the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, had an opportunity to speak with Canadian Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, in the company of Ms. Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs.