Statement by the Prime Minister of Canada

December 03, 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the conclusion of the Canadian delegation’s mission to Italy marking the 65th anniversary of the Italian Campaign:

“Canadian troops played a vital role in the bitter and costly Italian Campaign, one of the longest and fiercest struggles of the Second World War.  Of the more than 93,000 Canadians who served in this 20-month campaign, nearly 6,000 would lay down their lives. 

“1It is important that we remember the courage and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers, sailors and air force members who served to defend the freedoms that we enjoy today.  We owe it to them to remember.  To mark the 65th anniversary of the Italian Campaign, Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, is now in Italy with a delegation of Canadian Veterans who are returning to honour their fallen comrades.

“The values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law for which they fought in Italy’s mountains, flooded rivers and rubble-filled streets are the same values our military men and women continue to protect today.  The legacy of our Veterans lives on in the brave Canadians who are serving today in places such as Afghanistan.

“Veterans demonstrate time and again that they rise to any challenge.  Canadians are fully aware of the commitment made by both military members and their families.  They have helped to shape our country, and their service is a point of national pride.”

Canadians can learn more about the Italian Campaign at http://vac.gc.ca.