Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada’s Video Message to Mark the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and Victory in Europe Day
OTTAWA, May 7, 2020 /CNW/ – It had lasted for 5 long years of rationing and misery, but in the spring of 1945, following the advances of the Allies, everyone was finally seeing the end of the Second World War. The news of the German surrender spread on the 8th of May 1945, and everywhere, people took to the streets in an outpouring of emotion to celebrate the victory. The war was not completely over in Asia, but the Nazi threat was no more.
It was the deadliest war in history. More than 70 million dead, civilian and military. Six million Jews and other scorned people paid with their dignity and their lives for the evil purpose of a racist regime. Deported, they perished in terrible suffering. We must never forget the horrors of the Holocaust, the ravages of hatred.
More than one million Canadians served in the wartime Forces and played a vital role in the Battle of the Atlantic, and in the Normandy and Italian campaigns. They fought against some of the best German troops on the Dutch and Belgian fronts, and they earned the respect of all in the air war over Germany. Canadian fighters left a legacy of great pride embodied in unforgettable names like: Dieppe, the Scheldt, Ortona, Juno Beach. Canadians helped secure the Allied victory at great sacrifice. More than 43,000 of our brave soldiers, sailors and aviators never made it back home.
Seventy-five years later, we remember them, but we also remember the many legacies of the war, including an unprecedented reconstruction plan that created bonds that still influence our lives today. In the aftermath of peace, several international organizations were established. Thousands of survivors of this seemingly endless war found refuge in Canada. They brought their cultures to flourish in our great country, helping forge the Canadian identity.
The magnitude and costs of the war made us realize that the prosperity of some is not possible without the prosperity of all. This should encourage us to work together, to collaborate as one, in times of peace, and in times of crisis, as we do now during this pandemic.
In this month of May 2020, let us celebrate freedom and remain strong in the face of adversity.
Julie Payette
Prime Minister on the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day
OTTAWA, May 8, 2020 /CNW/ – The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement today on the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day:
“Today, on the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, we pause to reflect and honour all those who fought, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend freedom and democracy.
“On this day in 1945, Canadians joined the chorus of millions around the world to celebrate the end of the Second World War in Europe. With the unconditional surrender of the Nazi regime, the devastation, fear, and misery caused by more than five-and-a-half years of fighting gave way to feelings of relief, hope, and optimism. Although the war in Asia and the Pacific continued, parades were held and people sang in the streets as Canada and its Allies celebrated the end of a struggle that had tested our resilience and humanity.
“While this year’s commemorative ceremonies will move online due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, I invite all Canadians to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in Europe, and supported the war effort at home, during the Second World War. We remain forever in the debt of all those who answered the call to serve, and for the people in uniform who gave everything so that their children and grandchildren could live in freedom and peace.
“Lest we forget.”
Ministers MacAulay and Sajjan mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day
OTTAWA, May 8, 2020 /CNW/ – The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement today on the 75th anniversary of V-E Day:
“Victory in Europe (V-E) Day—8 May 1945—marked the official end of the Second World War in Europe. Crowds celebrated in Canada, Europe and Allied nations around the world.
“More than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Air Force during the conflict. More than 45,000 gave their lives, and another 55,000 were wounded. Thousands more would return home with long-lasting mental injuries. Another 12,000 went to sea with the Merchant Navy. Millions more supported the war effort on the home front.
“We remember Major-General George Kitching, one of the youngest generals in the Allied armies during the Second World War. He helped arrange the laying down of arms of the Germans in the Netherlands. MGen Kitching was also present at the surrender signing ceremony in the Dutch town of Wageningen in May 1945.
“We recognize Annie (Goode) McNamara, who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force – Women’s Division as a performer in a travelling military variety show. McNamara encountered the horrors of war as well: the performers often visited the wounded including children in hospitals in England, and travelled to the Nazi concentration camp at Bergen-Belsen.
“We honour Chief Petty Officer 1st Class George Edward (Ted) Jamieson of the Six Nations Upper Cayuga Band who was a sea cadet in his early teens and, a few years later, a bugler in the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve. During the Second World War, he served as an able seaman at the East Coast naval bases HMCS Stadacona and HMCS Cornwallis. He also served at sea aboard the minesweeper HMCS Drummondville during the Battle of the Atlantic.
“Today, we express the gratitude of a nation to all Canadians who have served in defence of peace and freedom. As we reflect on this milestone anniversary during this unprecedented time, let’s pause to honour their contributions, achievements and sacrifice.
“Canada remembers.”
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75th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and V-E Day web feature Faces of Freedom articles and podcast