B.C. veterans of the Second World War were celebrated at a dinner hosted by Finance Minister Michael de Jong on behalf of the provincial government that marked the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

B.C. veterans were presented with the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur, France’s highest honour, by Consul General of France in Vancouver M. Jean-Christophe Fleury, on behalf of the President of France. In recognition of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, the government of France is bestowing the award on up to 390 Canadian veterans, 66 of whom are from B.C.

The Province of British Columbia is supporting B.C. veterans that will travel to Normandy, France, to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. British Columbia is contributing $2,000 to each travelling veteran, each with an accompanying person, matching funding provided through a federal program that supports veterans travelling to France for the commemoration.

June 6, 2014, marks 70 years since allied troops landed along 80 kilometres of beaches in Normandy in 1944. Sir Winston Churchill called Operation Overlord, “Undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever taken place. It involves tides, wind, waves, visibility, both from the air and the sea standpoint, and the combined employment of land, air and sea forces in the highest degree of intimacy and in contact with conditions which could not and cannot be fully foreseen.”

Quotes:

Premier Christy Clark -

“D-Day was a foundational moment for an entire generation, and for Canada. We will always be humbled by the tremendous courage, effort, and sacrifices these men and women made overseas for us.”

Minister of Veterans Affairs Julian Fantino -

“The success achieved in Normandy is a pivotal moment in Canadian history and is now deeply rooted in our national character. Our Government is honoured to pay tribute to Canada's brave Veterans and express our gratitude as we approach the 70th Anniversary of D-day, and it gives me great pleasure to join the Province of British Columbia in honouring and thanking its D-Day Veterans.”

Minister of Finance Michael de Jong -

“It is nearly impossible to imagine what these veterans went through during the Second World War, and the way their efforts changed Canada is truly immeasurable. I am privileged and humbled to honour these men and women for their contributions.”

Consul General of France in Vancouver Jean-Christophe Fleury -

“The President and people of France are pleased to recognize the bravery and commitment of Canada’s D-Day veterans by bestowing France’s highest award, the Legion d’honneur. D-Day marked the start of the liberation of France and the rest of Europe, and we are forever grateful to all those Canadian and Allied forces who sacrificed so much in the cause of freedom.”

Quick Facts:

• 181,000 British Columbians fought in the Second World War.
• 14,000 Canadians landed on Juno Beach on D-Day; some 450 Canadians parachuted inland before dawn.
• Approximately 45,000 Canadians lost their lives during the Second World War. Some 5,000 were killed during the Battle of Normandy and 359 on D-Day.

Learn More:

• Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur: www.legiondhonneur.fr/index_en.html 
• Veteran’s affairs: D-Day and the battle of Normandy: www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/historical-sheets/d-day

Media Contacts:

Jamie Edwardson
Communications Director
Ministry of Finance
250 356-2821

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252