Released on June 4, 2004
In the early morning of June 6th, 1944, Canadian soldiers helped make history and changed the course of the Second World War. These courageous individuals were part of the D-Day invasion, the greatest seaborne assault in history."Canada owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women who fought on that fateful day and throughout WW II," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "All Canadians should be thankful for the sacrifices made by those in our armed services - especially for those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
Saskatchewan will mark the 60th anniversary of D-Day with significant events to honour the soldiers who fought and died on Normandy's beaches.
"It is great honour for Saskatchewan and a wonderful tribute to our war veterans that we are the only province to have a member of the Royal Family present for this historic anniversary," Calvert said. "We are so pleased that The Princess Royal has chosen to be here with her Saskatchewan regiment, The Royal Regina Rifles."
The Princess Royal is Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Regina Rifles, which was one of the first Canadian units to land on Juno Beach and which attained more of its objectives than most Allied units.
As part of the commemoration activities in Regina The Princess Royal will participate in a D-Day Parade with The Royal Regina Rifles at the Legislative Building on June 5th. She will also take part in the regiment's change of command.
In the evening, the Premier will host a dinner in honour of D-Day where veterans and representatives from all of The Princess Royal's regiments will be honoured.
The anniversary of D-Day will officially be recognized on Sunday, June 6th, with a church service and reception for veterans in St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral in Regina. The Princess Royal will unveil a D-Day anniversary postage stamp and poster for Veterans Affairs Canada.
On June 7th, The Princess Royal will be in North Battleford where events at St. Paul's Anglican Church have been planned to mark D-Day. The Princess Royal will view the memorial for Royal Air Force personnel lost in training. She will also lay a wreath at the cenotaph and meet veterans in McPhail Park.
Details of the events commemorating D-Day with The Princess Royal can be found at www.graa.gov.sk.ca.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Maureen Boyle Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-5959 Cell: (306)529-8631 |