French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal delivered a heartfelt speech during the Canadian commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, expressing France's eternal gratitude for the sacrifices made by Canadian and other Allied soldiers.
Speaking at Juno Beach, where 14,000 Canadian troops landed on D-Day, Attal emphasized the profound impact of the sacrifices on France's freedom. He stated, 'France will never forget those who fell for her. Never will she forget that on this sand, the blood of Canadian youth was spilled for our freedom.'
Attal highlighted the enduring memory of World War II veterans, affirming that their heroism will always be honored. He stressed the importance of preserving their legacy, stating, 'The memory of veterans of World War II will never fade away. Never will the flame of heroism weaken.'
Reflecting on his own youth and the peace enjoyed by his generation, Attal acknowledged the privilege of growing up without experiencing war directly. He underscored the significance of learning from history to ensure a peaceful future, especially as conflicts resurface in Europe.
'I belong to a generation who has never known war. A generation whose parents didn’t know war. A generation that grew up under the signs of freedom and liberty,' Attal remarked. 'History is a lesson for the future and today, more than ever, we need to hear and listen as war knocks once again on Europe’s doorstop.'
The French Prime Minister's poignant words resonated with attendees at the commemoration, underscoring the enduring bond between France and Canada forged through shared sacrifices on D-Day.
