D-Day

Today marks the 63rd anniversary of the D-Day invasion.

While US and British forces got most of the credit, over 15,000 Canadian soldiers landed on Juno Beach, in Normandy, France as part of a bold and bloody operation that marked the beginning of the end of the Second World War.

According to Canada Post, "An additional 450 soldiers parachuted behind the beaches, while 10,000 sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy were standing by in 110 ships of all sizes. By the end of the day, Canadian casualties numbered more than a thousand, with nearly 400 dead. At the end of the Normandy campaign, more than 5,000 Canadians had been killed – giving their lives for freedom. "

Anne Joynt, President and CEO of Canada Post noted in 1964 when the above stamp honoring D-Day was released, "Canada is undeniably proud of the men and women who went through the pain of war to ensure that our children had a future free of tyranny. It is our hope that as this stamp travels the country, it will remind all Canadians of the major role we played in D-Day, and the price so many paid for it."

For more on D-Day and stamps, click here.