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A Juno Beach commemoration planned for high school students

June 6 marks the 73 years since D-Day and the Canadian landing on Juno Beach

D-Day. June 6, 1944. 73 years ago. One of the biggest days in the history of war.

Juno Beach, a six-kilometre stretch of sandy beach along the French coast of the English Channel, between Courseulles and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer. One of the most significant locations in Canadian military history.

The Royal Canadian Legion Guelph is hosting the event Remembering Juno on Tuesday June 6. The program is geared towards high school students. It takes place at the Guelph Legion, 57 Watson Parkway S. at 12:30 p.m.

Organizers expect up to 200 Guelph high school history students to attend. The program is designed to augment the instruction the students have received in World War II history.

D-Day is that day in World War II when Allied forces boldly landed on the coast of Normandy, a region of northern France. The country was occupied by German forces at the time, and the five beaches involved in the D-Day landing were heavily defended.

The Canadian army was responsible for taking Juno, with the Royal Canadian Navy leading the operation. Two German battalions defended the beach. Losses on both sides were heavy – 340 on the Canadian side killed, over 570 wounded.

The Guelph Legion commemoration will begin with the singing of the national anthem, followed by opening remarks by Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie. Guelph MPP Liz Sandals is scheduled to be in attendance, along with other dignitaries.

There will be a student speaker, and featured guest speaker Leslie Jamieson, a Juno Beach student tour guide alumni.

War historian Rob Stark will speak about Canadian military artifacts from World War I and II, and Canadian war veteran Moe Ferris will offer closing remarks.  

 


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Rob O'Flanagan

About the Author: Rob O'Flanagan

Rob O’Flanagan has been a newspaper reporter, photojournalist and columnist for over twenty years. He has won numerous Ontario Newspaper Awards and a National Newspaper Award.
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