Burl-Oak Naval Veterans Mark 79th Anniversary of D-Day & Battle of Normandy
Benediction of Padre Thomas: "O God, may we always remember that the peace and freedom we enjoy in this century came from the sacrifice of those who did not hesitate to confront both their own fears, and the evil that gave rise to them. As we go forth from this place, bless us that we may live with courage, act with justice, and choose with love, that those whom we have honoured this day, will not have sacrificed their lives in vain. Amen.
Today, we mark the 79th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy with the Burl-Oak Naval Veterans at their Naval Memorial Service at the Naval Ships Memorial Monument in Spencer Smith Park -- where the Canadian flag that flies there is the same one that flew at the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France.We were joined by D-Day Veteran and Burlington Key to the City Recipient Gordon Schottlander.We remember and pay tribute to all those who fought for our freedoms and the more than 22,000 individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for a better future. We honour our veterans and remember their courage, so that we may preserve the better future for democracy and humanity that so many gave their lives for.[gallery columns="2" ids="32586,32588"]The Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France and its Burlington connection Museum co-founders Garth Webb and Lisa Cooper, a D-Day Veteran and the widow of a Veteran, respectively, came up with the plans for the museum in their Burlington home.The Centre's architect, Brian Chamberlain of Chamberlain Architect Services Ltd., is based in Burlington.The Centre is Burlington's gift to our country's memory of D-Day.The Juno Beach Centre was established in 2003 as a permanent memorial to all Canadians who were part of the Allied victory in the Second World War, and to preserve this legacy for future generations through education. The Centre in Normandy, France, pays homage to the nearly 45,000 Canadians who died during the War, including 5,500 during the Battle of Normandy and 381 on D-Day. Almost 20 years and more than 1 million visitors later, the Centre has been designated a site of national historic significance to Canada. It is owned and operated by the Juno Beach Centre Association, a registered charitable organization based in Burlington, ON, Canada. To learn more, please visit www.junobeach.orgRELATED LINK: