Blog post written by Explorica Marketing and Retention Manager, Sonia Reid.
On June 6, 2014, thousands of Canadians made the journey to Juno Beach to commemorate the 70th anniversary of D-Day, honouring our veterans and the many brave Canadian soldiers that lost their lives during the battle. Juno Beach was one of five beaches used during the D-Day landings and was part of the largest amphibious military operation in history. I had the privilege of joining Explorica students on this commemorative tour and it was an experience I will never forget.
Explorica has had a long history of sending students on Canadian history commemorative tours and places a high priority on helping students understand the value of remembrance. All Explorica’s tours that travel to Canadian memorials, cemeteries and monuments give students the opportunity to honour the soldiers and veterans and we know that these moments have a profound impact on them.
For many, the preparation for D-Day 70 started months earlier. Some spent time researching the stories of soldiers in their families and towns and others were lucky enough learn about the war from an actual D-Day veteran. Mr. Anthony Frances Balch, a Veteran who enlisted at 15 years old and participated in various missions on behalf of the British Royal Navy, met with students prior to D-Day and joined them in Normandy for this historic event. This was the highlight of the tour for many of the students, as they experienced D-Day with a living piece of history.
During our time in Normandy, we attended 2 smaller ceremonies in addition to the main D-Day event. The first took place on June 5th and was held at Beny-Sur-Mer. We were honoured that 2 of our students were chosen to participate in the ceremony and it was a very proud moment for us and them. The other was held on June 7th at Bretteville-Sur-Laize.
Ceremony at Beny-Sur-Mer
Explorica students participating the ceremony
On the afternoon of June 6th, all groups arrived at Juno Beach to participate in the main commemoration. The 52-minute ceremony included speeches from Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Prince Charles, and Major-General Richard Rhomer. During this ceremony, 2 of our students were chosen to recite the ‘Commitment to Remember” which was a very inspiring and emotional moment for all of us there, and for their families and friends watching back home.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Charles, Prince of Wales
The students waiting to present the commitment to remember
On June 7th, one of our groups attended a final ceremony at Breteville-Sur-Laize. The group I was with did not have the opportunity to attend that ceremony; however, we were lucky enough to have a quiet visit to the beautiful Canadian cemetery a day earlier. For these students, having a more intimate and peaceful visit to Breteville-Sur-Laize on the morning of June 6th was nice contrast to the main ceremony at Juno Beach later that day.
Brettville-Sur-Laize
Students having a quiet moment at Brettville-Sur-Laize
Explorica student at Bretville-Sure-Laize
I think everyone would agree that the most important message shared throughout the D-Day events was to “give thanks.” We owe these brave men a great deal, and it’s often difficult in today’s world for young people to understand how significant their sacrifice was. As parents and educators, it’s our responsibility to make sure we keep their stories alive and help our children learn about our history, whether it’s through travel, movies, books or from the veterans themselves.
“To the young people here today, I say this: In not so many years, the duty of remembrance will belong to your generation and yours alone.” —Prime Minister Stephen Harper
If you haven’t yet visited any of the Canadian historical sites, I would strongly encourage that you do. This was my first visit and I left Normandy feeling extremely grateful and proud to be Canadian.
To learn more about Explorica’s visit to the D-Day 70th anniversary events, check out the following links:
Canada’s youth ambassadors for 70th D-Day anniversary (Orangeville.com)
Students set to travel to Juno Beach with Second World War veteran (CTV Barrie)
Bon Voyage to Centre Dufferin Students! (Juno Beach Centre)
Toronto called on to donate towards D-Day memorial (CTV News Channel)
Ontario students to honour those who made the ‘ultimate sacrifice’ on D-Day (CTV News Channel)
Juno Beach inspires teacher to keep history alive for students (CBC news)
Students off to Juno Beach for real-life history lesson (CTV News Channel)
CTV News Giving Back to Those Lost (CTV News Channel)
Honouring Her Great Uncle (CBC Radio – Metro Morning)