SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — D-Day and the Battle of Normandy

Honourable senators, on May 8, 2025, Canada and the world celebrated the eightieth anniversary of the victory in Europe over Nazi fascism. This victory would not have been possible without the efforts of the Canadian, American and British armed forces during the Battle of Normandy, the Allied invasion of France.

Now referred to as D-Day, June 6, 1944, saw the largest amphibious landings in history along five French beaches, as the Allies attempted to break through Hitler’s Atlantic Wall. It was Juno Beach where Canadians took the lead. The fighting continued for a further 12 weeks as the Battle of Normandy, signalling the beginning of the end of World War II.

Some of the ships, regiments and squadrons that smashed headlong into that battle are represented here today by members of the Canadian Armed Forces who currently serve with or have served in units that can trace their history to that day. I want to highlight three units involved with D-Day that have an Ottawa connection today.

HMCS Ottawa was a Royal Canadian Navy destroyer which escorted the invasion forces across the English Channel. The present-day HMCS Ottawa, the fourth of her name, is a Halifax Class frigate that continues to sail around the globe in support of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, as well as Asia-Pacific diplomacy and as part of our campaign against terrorism.

In 1944, HMCS Ottawa may very well have been escorting members of The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Duke of Edinburgh’s Own) machine gun regiment. Today, the Camerons are an infantry regiment with close ties to the City of Ottawa, both sharing the same motto: ADVANCE.

Also, 412 Squadron — part of the tactical air force on D‑Day — swept the skies for fighters and escorted bombers. Today, 412 Squadron operates as the VIP transport and medical evacuation squadron based right here at the Ottawa airport.

Speaking of medical evacuation, I would be remiss if I did not mention the valiant efforts of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps field ambulances who landed alongside the assault forces providing first aid and casualty collection on Juno Beach as the battle raged on around them.

Senators, upon our summons to this chamber, we are granted the title of “Honourable.” But I would suggest an act no more honourable than the voluntary offering of one’s life — one’s very future — in defence of something greater than oneself. That is what so many of our fellow Canadians did on D-Day.

Private Leslie Neufeld of Saskatchewan was one of them. In his letter to his family — written on June 4, 1944 — he lets them know:

We know our job well. We have been trained for all conditions & circumstances. We have a fair chance. . . . If anything should happen to me, do not feel sad or burdened by it, but take the attitude of “He served his country to his utmost.”

Private Neufeld was one of the 359 Canadians killed on Juno Beach.

In remembering their sacrifice, let us also remember our responsibility to uphold the values they fought for, to care for those who have served or continue to serve, and to support the families who bear the horrible weight of that service.

On this anniversary of D-Day, may we rededicate ourselves to that duty. Lest we forget.