The first time Canada entered WWII was on September 10, 1939. By the end of 1940, more than 200,000 Canadians volunteered to join Great Britain and France in the fight against Germany. It wasn’t Prime Minister Mackenzie King’s intention to have this many Canadians enlist. However, within a year, the country geared up for full war effort, working 24 hours a day in preparation. Canada was now Britain’s leading ally.
Commemorative cross decorated with poppies
September 10, 2014 marked the 75th anniversary of our entry into WWII and the Canadian government is honouring our veterans with a commemorative lapel pin and certificate.
The pin’s design features a flaming torch and the letter “V” representing victory and the value of the coin itself. Veterans who served at least one day in WWII are eligible to receive the pin and certificate.
“As Canadians, we have a responsibility to reflect upon our country’s past, and remember those who served to protect the values that we cherish so dearly today. Our government is honoured to pay tribute to Canada’s Veterans of the Second World War by presenting them with these pins and certificates as symbols of our country’s enduring pride and gratitude.”
–The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs
Canadian veterans in the Netherlands
Both the Canadian government and Explorica are committed to keeping Canada’s history alive through recognizing and commemorating our most important anniversaries.
In 2015, Explorica groups will travel to Europe to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the beginning of the end of WWII. Teachers and students will honour the 7,600 Canadian soldiers who lost their lives and the hundreds of thousand men that battled for 9 months to free the Dutch people from German occupation.
Canadian students participating in a commemorative ceremony
Canadian students at the 70th anniversary celebrations
Want to learn more about travelling on a commemorative tour?
Browse our Canadian history tours
OR call 1.888.378.8845.
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