Nov. 11, 2004
Remembrance Day Ceremony
at 3 Wing Bagotville
BAGOTVILLE - You are invited to the Remembrance Day ceremony, which will be held Thursday, November 11, at 10:20 a.m. in hangar 7 (home of 433 Squadron) at 3 Wing Bagotville.
This ceremony, in which more than 800 personnel from Bagotville as well as several representatives from the local branches of the Canadian Legion will take part, will make it possible to recognize the many Canadian sacrifices and valorous efforts to restore peace and freedom in Europe and elsewhere in the world. This year, the Remembrance Day ceremony pays homage in particular to the Canadian combatants in Italy.
Between 1943 and the beginning of 1945, more than 92 000 young Canadians served their country in Italy. The countryside of Italy was the first stage to victory in Europe. The Canadians demonstrated their resolve to defend peace and freedom in the world. Canadian casualties during the Italy campaign rose to more than 26 000 soldiers, of which 5 900 lost their lives. The Air, Land, and Sea Forces all played an important role in Italy. The attack on the beaches of Sicily constitutes the most important allied attack until the assault on Normandy, in which nearly 3 000 ships and landing barges of the Allied Forces took part.
Since confederation, in 1867, more than one and a half million Canadians have fought in missions of peace around the world. Since the beginning of the First World War, more than 110,000 Canadian soldiers have lost their lives in wars fought in 74 different countries.
Inspired by the memory of these soldiers and guided by their example, the Canadian Forces of today continues to defend the values which make Canada one of the best countries to live in. Since 1948, more than 125 000 Canadians have taken part, with distinction, in various operations in support of peace. Since 1990, the Canadian Forces has taken part in hundreds of missions all over the world. Today, more than 1 400 Canadian soldiers, sailors and airmen are deployed abroad on operational missions.
For its part in the ceremony, 3 Wing Bagotville will contribute some of its fighters, which will conduct a formation flyby of the War Memorial in Ottawa.
