Veterans Week and the 75th Anniversary of the End of WWII

Our_Stories

Oct 29

November 5-11 is Veterans Week. This year, we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Canada joined the war on September 10, 1939 and it didn’t end until V-J Day on August 15, 1945 with the surrender of Japan. During this time, more than a million Canadians volunteered for service and more than 45,000 gave their lives. We are a country strong and free because of the sacrifice of these brave individuals.

The bravery and service doesn’t end with the soldier though. When someone goes off to war, their whole family serves with them. Military families must deal with the loss of a family member - whether only for a short time or indefinitely - and, often, the people coming home aren’t the same people who left. We are grateful for the love and compassion that military families share within their family circle and the veteran community at large.

This 6-year war was fought on many fronts. Canadians fought along-side our Allies during the Battle of Britain, defending Hong Kong, during the Dieppe Raid, in the Italian campaign, storming the beaches of Normandy, liberating Paris and the Netherlands, during the Battle of the Scheldt, and in Japan. Canadians also served on the Homefront working in foundries to produce bullets, guns, military vehicles, planes and ships; and on farms to ensure that the Canadian population and those overseas were fed.

This war took an incredible toll on Canada. We can not forget what it took to get us to where we are today. The lives that were put on hold and lost to ensure our peace and freedom.

Canadians are memorialized in many ways when they serve in our military. We wear poppies, build cenotaphs, and plant trees - just to name a few. Some of these memorials can be found here.

Memorializing our Veterans is more than just visiting a site though. Educate yourself and your family on our history, and the sacrifices that brought us to where we are today.

This Remembrance Week, we are unable to participate in traditional Remembrance Day services, so why not take this opportunity to look through some of these amazing resources or have a conversation with a loved one who may have lived through this trying time. #LestWeForget #CanadaRemembers