Hon. Marty Klyne: Honourable senators, Saturday marks the eighty-second anniversary of D-Day, the Allied landings in Normandy on June 6, 1944, one of the most momentous days in history and a turning point in the struggle against tyranny.
Each year, as we reflect on this day, I think about the young men who crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy under relentless enemy fire. Before them lay heavily defended positions. Around them, chaos, destruction and loss. Comrades fell, yet our troops pressed forward. In that moment, bravery meant taking another step.
Veterans who were present have told of the fear, duty and determination that carried them through. Supreme Allied Commander Eisenhower’s order of the day stated, “We will accept nothing less than full Victory!” That day, Canadian courage delivered for us all. They were backed by sailors, airmen and families at home, who rationed, worked and sacrificed. The Canadians who landed at Juno Beach came from across the country, including Saskatchewan. Some had trained together for years. Some had known each other since childhood. They crossed the Atlantic together, prepared together and landed together.
Over 14,000 Canadians landed or parachuted into Normandy. By day’s end, 359 Canadians had lost their lives, with over 700 more wounded. Their sacrifice helped gain the Allied foothold in Europe that liberated France and defeated Nazi Germany.
Historians often point to D-Day as the beginning of the end of the war in Europe. We view its success with the benefit of hindsight, but the result was far from certain. As we reflect, we are reminded that history is often shaped not by extraordinary people but by ordinary people called upon to face extraordinary circumstances. The young men who landed in Normandy were sons, brothers, friends and fathers from all walks of life. Yet, when history demanded victory, they answered that call and changed the world.
On this anniversary of D-Day, let us honour those who fought for freedom, including those who never came home and those who carried the memories of that day all their lives. May we always remember their sacrifice. May we always honour their service. And may we never forget what they achieved for humanity.
Among them were the Royal Regina Rifles, nicknamed the Farmer Johns. As I did last year, and I will do this year, let me repeat their legendary battle cry, which was led by the battalion leader, who would yell out, “Rifles,” and all the rifles would respond. They would go, “One, two, three. Up the Johns!”
Today, that is more of a tribute and cheers to their fallen comrades and their memories, a tribute to the fallen and the sacrifices they made. They would preferably cheer with a brandy — a Calvados brandy, for sure.
If you want to join me in the cheer, go ahead: One, two, three. Up the Johns!
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.