'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
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.