Minister Fantino Marks the 71st Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid

OTTAWA, Aug. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, issued the following statement to mark the 71^st anniversary of the Dieppe Raid:

"Seventy-one years ago today, one of the most tragic days of the Second World War for Canada took place along the beaches of Dieppe, France. The men who participated in the Dieppe Raid paid a great price for their willingness to fight tyranny.

"Of the close to 5,000 Canadians who participated in Operation Jubilee, only some 2,200 returned to England. More than 3,350 Canadians became casualties, including 916 men who lost their lives and over 1,900 who were taken as prisoners of war and would endure harsh treatment in German camps.

"The difficult lessons learned that day played an important role in the successes achieved in later amphibious assaults, and saved many lives when the Allies returned to the shores of continental Western Europe to stay on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

"The efforts of the brave Canadians at Dieppe helped ensure that victory in the war was eventually achieved. The contributions and sacrifices of those who gave so much to restore peace and freedom to the world cannot be forgotten. Please join me in remembering their courageous actions that paved the way for their comrades to follow.

"Lest we forget."

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to defend the Republic of Korea and uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada's role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Veterans Affairs Canada