Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with veterans at a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day at Juno Beach in France on Thursday. There were 13 Canadian veterans there — the oldest at 104 years old — who survived the Allied attack on the same beach eight decades ago.
The beaches of Normandy were bathed in sunlight on Thursday as a day of ceremonies unfolded to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, his French counterpart Gabriel Attal and Prince William were among dignitaries visiting Juno Beach, where flags bearing the Maple Leaf fluttered in a gentle breeze on Thursday morning.
In the front row of a crowd of thousands were 13 Canadian veterans in military uniform, the oldest of them 104 years old, who survived the war effort on the same beach so many decades ago.
“There are no words to describe the immensity of the debt we owe you,” Trudeau told them as he delivered an address noting the remarkably important role Canada was given in the Allied effort.
Behind him, the waters of the English Channel were calm and a navy ship could be seen offshore. A sand dune was covered in wild roses and other flowers and grasses.
Against that tranquil backdrop, Trudeau delivered a warning.
“Our way of life didn’t happen by accident, and it won’t continue without effort,” he said.
This story is from the June 07, 2024 edition of Toronto Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 07, 2024 edition of Toronto Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Rookie's dominant starts offer hope
Blue Jays still look like trade deadline sellers, but righty Rodríguez just might be a keeper
England perfect in shootout
Alexander-Arnold nets winner to reach semifinals, redemption for Saka
How did Shanaplan Leafs lose their way?
Potential, sure, but so few results, promises unkept
ULTIMATE GOAL
Why Canada's run to semifinals means so much
Do Canadians want more or less government in their lives?
In a recurring feature, Susan Delacourt, a small-I liberal, and Matt Gurney, a small-c conservative, bring their different perspectives - and shared commitment to civil disagreement to the political debates of the moment.
Rescued cub finds new life
Freya, a six-month-old lion cub rescued from the wildlife trade in Lebanon, poked a curious nose out of her transport crate and sniffed the air. Satisfied, she took her first cautious steps in her new forever home in a sanctuary in South Africa.
Theories about coup abound
A plan to stage a coup against Bolivia's president was not what Gen. Tomás Peña y Lillo was expecting when he entered the military headquarters in La Paz last Wednesday.
'It takes them many days to secure even a respite beď
A year ago, a funding spat left asylum seekers on the streets. So what's changed and what hasn't?
Flight from justice
After the bloody murder came a panicked getaway across Ontario and a pursuit over three European countries, ending in capture. In the second of three parts, the Hamilton Spectator's Nicole O'Reilly retraces the fugitives' steps
Path cleared for possible ceasefire
Militant group in Gaza has dropped key demand to end war, officials say
