OTTAWA, May 8, 2017 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, and the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, today issued the following statement on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of V-E (Victory in Europe) Day and the end of the Second World War in Europe:
"Over one million Canadians answered the call to serve during the Second World War; more than 45,000 would not live to see that victory for which they had fought so bravely.
"When the war ended, celebrations broke out here in Canada and around the world. Many of us have seen the historic images of men and women in uniform being welcomed home and paraded through the streets, and people dancing.
"Many of those who were there would later say they experienced mixed emotions on V-E Day -happiness and relief, yet profound sadness and grief for the fallen.
"The memories of loss were still fresh - of so much suffering, so much conflict.
"Today, we proudly remember the selfless, courageous and dedicated Canadians who offered everything they had for our peace and freedom.
"They shall never be forgotten."
SOURCE Veterans Affairs Canada
Media Relations, Veterans Affairs Canada, Phone: 613-992-7468, [email protected]; Media Relations, Department of National Defence, Phone: 613-996-2353, Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811, Email: [email protected]
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