NEWS RELEASE
TIMMINS-JAMES BAY MP CHARLIE ANGUS
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OTTAWA – Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus says that the veterans and Canadian officials played a significant role in commemorating the role of Canada in freeing France 75 years ago. Angus participated in numerous commemorations including laying the wreath at the Abbaye d’Ardenne where 20 young Canadians were murdered by the SS.
Angus says it was a very powerful moment. “At the Abbaye d’Ardenne our nation confronted the heart of Nazi evil. And yet 75 years later, it was so moving to see the love that local people still held for the Canadian people. It taught me that the power of community and solidarity remains a powerful antidote to chaos and evil.”
At the cemetery of Bretteville sur Laize, Angus visited many graves of young men from Northern Ontario.
“In the graveyards of Normandy you see the incredible sacrifice of a young nation. Winnipeg is there. New Brunswick is there. Our whole nation has young men lying there. I was deeply moved when I came across many graves of the Algonquin regiment who died in the battle to close the Falaise Gap.”
Angus says that 75 years later, D-Day has a powerful lesson for this generation.
“People gave their lives to build an international order of peace and co-operation. It hasn’t been perfect. There have been many problems but woe to our generation if we walk away on the sacrifices made to secure the peace of Europe. I believe Canada will continue to play a role in supporting international co-operation and justice.”
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