Government of Canada to commemorate 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid

Government of Canada to commemorate 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid

Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence announces Government of Canada plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid and the contributions of Canadians in the Second World War.

OTTAWA, June 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada's history is best told through the stories of the men and women who lived it. By recognizing and honouring the extraordinary service and sacrifice witnessed 75 years ago, we will keep the memory of Canada's Second World War experience alive for generations to come.

The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, today announced Government of Canada plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid and the Second World War in France and Canada in August 2017. Commemorative ceremonies will take place in Dieppe, France, as well as in Montréal, Calgary and Dieppe, New Brunswick. Plans for ceremonies in other cities and communities across Canada are also in progress.

An official Government of Canada delegation will attend ceremonies and events in France from August 17-20, 2017. The delegation, led by the Minister of Veterans Affairs, will include Veterans, regimental representatives, youth, and Indigenous representatives. A contingent of the Canadian Armed Forces made up of units and branches involved in the Raid will also participate in ceremonies and events in France and Canada.

Multiple events are being planned, including a signature commemorative ceremony in the Square du Canada (Canada Square) in Dieppe, France, on August 19.

"In marking the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, we remember the sacrifices and bravery shown by Canadian men and women in uniform throughout the Second World War. We recognize their courage and loss as we pay tribute and honour those who served Canada, at home and abroad, when our country needed them. During this solemn anniversary, we also take time to help tell the stories of Canadians at Dieppe and ensure that their efforts and experiences are shared and never forgotten by future generations."

The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

- The Dieppe Raid began before dawn on August 19, 1942. The operation was intended to test German defences, practise Allied assault techniques, force the enemy to divert military resources from the Eastern Front and acquire valuable intelligence. Supported by British and allied forces, almost 5,000 Canadian soldiers took part in the attack on the occupied French port of Dieppe. Sadly, it would prove to be the bloodiest single day of the entire Second World War for Canada and more than 3,350 of our men were killed, wounded or taken prisoner.

- The brave sacrifices of all those who participated in Operation Jubilee, along with other subsequent landings, helped refine Allied amphibious techniques before the successful D-Day attacks on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

- As part of the events marking the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, the King's Own Calgary Regiment will dedicate a new monument in Dieppe, France, on August 19, 2017. The monument pays homage to regimental participants in the raid.

- Those who fought in the Dieppe Raid were among the more than one million Canadian men and women who served in uniform during the Second World War.

- Events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid coincide with Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation celebrations in 2017—a milestone for Canada to connect with our past, celebrate who we are, honour our exceptional achievements and build a legacy for tomorrow.

For more information on the 75th anniversary of the Dieppe Raid, visit http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/second-world-war/dieppe-raid/75-anniversary

Info sheet http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/historical-sheets/dieppe

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SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada

For further information: Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, 613-992-7468, Vac.media-medias.acc@vac-acc.gc.ca; Sarah McMaster, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 613-996-4649

http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-to-commemorate-75th-anniversary-of-the-dieppe-raid-626527961.html