Message from the Governor General on the Occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid

OTTAWA, Aug. 19, 2017 /CNW/ - For Canadians, 2017 has been a year of commemoration. In addition to marking the 150(th) anniversary of our Confederation, we have commemorated the centennial of the Battles of Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele, and now, we commemorate the 75(th) anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.

Canada's military history is one of great successes, but it is also one of devastating losses. The Dieppe Raid was one such disaster and one of the darkest moments in the wartime history of our Canadian Armed Forces. From that defeat, we still learned valuable lessons that proved instrumental in the efforts that led to the Allied victory in 1944. We must never forget the terrible cost of armed conflict and ensure that future generations remember, lest we repeat the mistakes of the past.

Today, I join with all those in Canada and abroad paying tribute to those who fought in the Dieppe Raid. We honour their memory, for they gave everything to defend and preserve peace, justice and freedom. Their courage and profound sacrifices will never be forgotten.

David Johnston

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SOURCE Governor General of Canada