OTTAWA—Today, I am in Dieppe, France, to pay tribute to the thousands of valiant soldiers who lost their lives 70 years ago on these beaches during the tragic offensive of August 19, 1942. I would also like to convey my sincerest appreciation to the veterans who survived that difficult chapter in our nation’s history.

On that day, with courage and determination, Canadians and Allied forces fought side by side to ensure that peace and freedom would triumph. The sacrifices they so willingly made so that we would be free from the yoke of tyranny embody the heavy price paid in times of war. Those of us who have the opportunity to live in a free and democratic society must never forget the tremendous debt that we owe them.

As commander-in-chief of Canada, I have the utmost respect and profound gratitude for the men and women who served or who serve today as part of the Canadian Forces family. As we mark this 70th anniversary in commemoration of the Dieppe Raid, let us honour the memory and heroism of our military personnel by renewing our commitment to building a more peaceful, more just and more equitable world.

David Johnston

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