D-Day Commemorations in Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria [fr]
Consul General, and our two Honorary consuls in Calgary and Victoria, took part in D-Day commemorations held in Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria.
Nicolas Baudouin, Consul General, and our two Honorary consuls in Calgary and Victoria, took part in D-Day commemorations held in Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria.
2024 years marks the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord, also known as D-Day, when the Allied, with Canada, landied on France’s beaches, which led to the liberation of France.
Eighty years later, France wishes to express its gratitude to allies, including Canada, by keeping alive the memory of this decisive event of the Second World War.
Vancouver
Nicolas Baudouin, Consul General of France in Vancouver, took part in the BC Regiment Association ceremony.
On this occasion, 80 years after the Normandy landings he took part in with the Calgary Highlanders, Canadian Veteran Joseph Vogelgesang, now living in Abbotsford, BC, was presented with the insignia of “Knight of the Legion of Honour”, France’s highest National Order
Learn more and watch TV coverage on our website.
Victoria
The ceremony took place at Pioneer Square by the Canadian Scottish Regiment’s cenotaph near the Christ Church cathedral.
Our Honorary Consul of France in Victoria, Geoffroy De La Barre De Nanteuil, took part.
The Regiment’s role during the landings was instrumental. It was the first on shore during the first assault and continued its pivotal role for the remainder of the Battle of Normandy.
Calgary
Emmanuel Giry, Honorary Consul of France in Calgary, and Gérard Carlier, member of the Souvenir Français remembrance association, took part in the ceremonies held at Calgary’s Military Museum.
“We are very grateful,” Giry said. “These are things that words cannot repay.”
Calgary Herald.
On 20 June 1941, the Calgary Regiment left Canada for the United Kingdom. On 19 August 1942, the unit found itself committed to Operation Jubilee, the Dieppe Raid. That raid is considered to have been the "general rehearsal" which led to the success of D-Day.
Looking for Canadian veterans who fought on French soil
If you know a Canadian veteran (still alive) who took part in the Liberation of France during World War II, please contact us.
He or she could be eligible for the Legion of Honour, the highest national French distinction founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
Visit our website for past medal ceremonies.