D-Day, the Battle of Normandy, is being commemorated throughout Canada, including right here in Williams Lake, to remember those brave Canadians who served our Country and helped break the back of Hitler who then held control of France.
On June 6, 1944 Canada, along with British, American and Allied forces, stormed onto French soil with a massive invasion — one that had been in the planning stages since early in the Second World War. For Canada, 14,000 soldiers were to land on the beaches; another 450 were to drop behind enemy lines by parachute or glider. The Royal Canadian Navy supplied ships and about 10,000 sailors. Lancaster bombers and Spitfire fighters from the Royal Canadian Air Force supported the invasion.
Almost seven months before D-Day, Hitler issued a directive that said the Germans would counterattack any landing on French shores, and we will throw the enemy back into the sea.
Thank goodness, Hitler was not right and that good was on the right side. Today, 70 years later, we can celebrate our part in this incredible battle, one that cost many young Canadians young lives.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 139, Williams Lake is holding a veterans D-Day celebration June 6. There will be a turkey dinner with all the trimmings and the evening gets underway right after the meat draw. There is no charge for veterans; guests will pay $5. There will also be live entertainment.