This year, we commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landing in Normandy France, where 340 soldiers from the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade, 19 paratroopers from the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and 22 airmen from the Royal Canadian Air Force that were killed in action.
The 10th Anniversary of the End of Canada's mission in Afghanistan in which we lost 158 brothers and sisters in arms and where thousands more are still suffering the effects of this war. It is also the 50th anniversary of the downing of United Nations Flight 51 over Syria and where we lost 9 Canadian Peacekeepers on Aug. 9, 1974.
It was also the 75th anniversary of the creation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Let us teach and encourage our younger generation to never forget these men and women who selfishly sacrifice their lives for us; these sailors, soldiers and aircrews who gave their lives so we can enjoy peace and freedom in our country that we call Canada.
Therefore, we are here on this solemn day to remember and thank them.
Lord God Hosts,
Be with us Yet,
Lest we forget,
Lest we forget.
- Campbell River Legion Branch 137
