'The stories of that day still live on': Winnipeggers mark 80th anniversary of Dieppe Raid
The sound of bagpipes rang through Vimy Ridge Park Thursday under a stormy sky, as dozens gathered in a sombre remembrance to honour and pay tribute to the soldiers who died on the beaches of Dieppe.
The ceremony marked the 80th anniversary of Operation Jubilee, more commonly known as the Dieppe Raid.
"By coming together as Winnipeggers and sharing the stories that so many still carry with them from their family members who served at Dieppe, we're showing our veterans the respect and the gratitude for the high price that they paid and ensuring that we never forget what they did for us on that fateful day," said Lt.-Col. Jon Baker, commanding officer of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada.
The timing of the ceremony, which started at 8:30 p.m. by the Cameron regimental monument, was also important.
"Right now, 80 years ago represents early morning of (August) 19 in the English Channel when members of the Cameron Highlanders were on their boats, in transit, getting ready to storm the beaches," said Baker, noting the seven-hour time difference in France.
"We've chosen this time to actually reflect the time when the soldiers were getting ready to have the fight of their lives."
He said more than 6,000 Canadian soldiers went ashore that day, including 503 from the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders based in Winnipeg.
Operation Jubilee was the first Canadian army engagement in the European theatre of the war, with 76 Camerons dying in the raid along with more than 900 Canadians.
Baker said the anniversary is an important one to recognize, especially in Winnipeg.
"I've realized over the last couple of days that this is a significant historical event for the City of Winnipeg – the city where the soldiers from the Cameron Highlanders were recruited from," he said. "Although there are not many that are still with us today, the stories of that day still live on with their families who continue to reside in the city."
-with files from CTV's Kayla Rosen
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.