June 6, 2024 marks the anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, and a ceremony was held in Lethbridge to commemorate it. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge commemorates 80th anniversary of D-Day with ceremony at cenotaph

Jun 6, 2024 | 2:04 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – June 6, 2024 marks the anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, and a ceremony was held in Lethbridge to commemorate it.

In June of 1944, over 14,000 Canadians stormed the beaches of Normandy, and 381 died on D-Day. The 77-day battle of Normandy followed, which was a major victory for the allied forces, but saw over 5,000 Canadian soldiers lose their lives.

In Lethbridge, the ceremony was held at the Cenotaph downtown near City Hall. The ceremony included the playing of Last Post, the reading of “For the Fallen”, and a moment of silence.

@lethbridgenewsnow The Royal Canadian Legion General Stewart Branch held a ceremony at the Lethbridge Cenotaph on June 6, 2024 to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. #YQL #LNN #Lethbridge #royalcanadianlegion ♬ original sound – Lethbridge News Now

Following the moment of silence, seven wreaths were laid in front of the monument, including one laid by Lethbridge mayor Blaine Hyggen, and by the RCMP.

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Among those present at the ceremony was Dave Martin, the son of D-Day veteran Dalton Arnold Martin, who was a tail gunner during the war.

Martin says events like this are important to keep holding, both to educate younger generations, and to make sure the sacrifices of veterans and those who died will not be forgotten.

He said, “If we fail to maintain events like this, then they will be lost and forgotten for generations to come. Its our duty I guess as the Legion to maintain these events and carry on and not forget.”

Following the ceremony, the Legion held a reception available to community members, where relatives of veterans could chare their stories.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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by Christian Oldale

Lethbridge commemorates 80th anniversary of D-Day with ceremony at cenotaph

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