D-Day 70th Anniversary Commemorations at the Canadian War Museum
June 2, 2014Ottawa, Ontario, June 2, 2014 — On June 6, 1944, Canada participated as a full partner with the United States and the United Kingdom in the greatest amphibious invasion in history. Code-named Operation Overlord, but generally known as D-Day, the invasion included 14,000 Canadians among the nearly 150,000 Allied troops who landed or parachuted onto the beaches of Normandy. In addition, the Royal Canadian Navy contributed ships, while Royal Canadian Air Force squadrons helped control the skies while attacking enemy targets. On that single day, Canadians suffered 1,074 casualties, including 359 killed.
The Canadian War Museum will commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day in a number of ways:
Lynx Armoured Scout Vehicle
The Lynx is the short-range reconnaissance vehicle used by Canadian soldiers in Italy and North West Europe during the Second World War. The vehicle will be positioned outside on the Museum’s front plaza as an example of the range of Second World War vehicles, artillery and other large artifacts in the War Museum’s collection.
Museum Plaza
Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8
Orville Fisher’s Diary and D-Day Assault
As the only Allied war artist to land in Normandy on D-Day, Orville Fisher was able to paint from firsthand experience. Through selected pages from his D-Day diary, and a reproduction of his painting D-Day Assault, visitors will learn more about an artist whose interests lay in the conduct of war. Volunteer Interpreters trained in the interpretation of war art will be on hand to guide visitors in a study of this painting.
Museum Lobby
Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8
Sam Scott’s Pipes
Pipe Major Sam Scott of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa played these Scottish Highland bagpipes as Canadian troops landed on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.
Museum Lobby
Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8
Second World War Living History Collection
What was life like for soldiers during the Second World War? See some of the clothes, gear and weapons used by Canadian soldiers.
Museum Lobby
Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8
Historical Footage of D-Day
Witness some of the apprehension and fear felt by soldiers as they crossed the English Channel and arrived at Juno Beach. This original footage, taken from a landing craft as it arrived on the beaches of Normandy, is a permanent feature of the Museum’s Second World War gallery, but for this special occasion will also be projected on the glass wall in the War Museum lobby.
Museum Lobby
Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8
Friends of the Canadian War Museum
Learn more about what the Friends of the Canadian War Museum do, and how you can support them.
Museum Lobby
Friday, June 6 only
Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)
The CWGC cares for cemeteries and memorials for the 1.7 million people who died in the First and Second World Wars: over 23,000 locations in 153 countries. Staff from the Canadian Agency of the CWGC will be on hand to talk about their new interactive website, which introduces users to the Commission, remembrance and its relevance.
Museum Lobby
Friday, June 6 only
Gallery 3 – Forged in Fire
As always, visitors can visit our permanent exhibition on the Second World War to learn more about how Canada’s fight against overseas dictatorships transformed the country and its place in the world.
| 70th Anniversary of D-Day
Remember those who have proudly risked their lives for Canada on the beaches of Normandy, France, 70 years ago during a special ceremony in Ottawa. Witness a 21-gun salute and a fly-by from a CF18 fighter jet, and view the unveiling of a Second World War Hawker Typhoon airplane, along with various military vehicles on display. Join His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, Veterans, their families, youth and currently serving Canadian Armed Forces members to pay tribute to all Canadian soldiers for their sacrifices during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Canada Aviation and Space Museum For information on other 70th anniversary D-Day events consult the Veterans Affairs Canada website at: http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/d-day/70th-anniversary |
D-Day: Normandy 1944
A historic landing that changed the world
June 6, 1944: The largest Allied operation of World War II began in Normandy, France. Yet, few know in detail exactly why and how, from the end of 1943 through August 1944, this region became the most important location in the world. Exploring history, military strategy, science, technology and human values, the film will educate and appeal to all.
Narrated by Tom Brokaw, D-Day: Normandy 1944 pays tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom…A duty of memory, a duty of gratitude.
Canada Museum of History IMAX
For film schedules, please visit https://www.historymuseum.ca/event/d-day-normandy-1944/ or call 819-776-7010.
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Media contacts:
| Yasmine Mingay Manager, Public Affairs Canadian War Museum Telephone: 819-776-8608 yasmine.mingay@warmuseum.ca |
Avra Gibbs Lamey Communications and Media Relations Officer, Canadian War Museum Telephone: 819-776-8607 avra.gibbs-lamey@warmuseum.ca |