This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Italian Campaign where, for 20 months, Canadian troops played a vital role in the Allied effort to liberate Italy during the Second World War.

 As they moved from the south to the north of Italy, Canadians showed how determined they were to restore global peace and freedom. They faced difficult battles against some of the German army=s best troops. They fought in the dust and heat of summer, the snow and cold of winter, and the rain and mud of spring.

More than 93,000 Canadians served in the Italian Campaign. Of those who served there, some never returned home. They made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our Canadian values of peace and freedom. We owe it to them to honour their legacy. Canada remembers these brave men and women.

To mark this significant anniversary in our history, commemorative events will be held this fall in communities and cities across the country. As well, Veterans Affairs Canada will lead a delegation to Italy at the end of November. Veterans who are in the delegation will be able to visit former battlefields and pay tribute to their fallen comrades.

For more information on the Italian Campaign and to follow the delegation=s journey of remembrance through Italy, visit www.vac-acc.gc.ca.

Tilly O’Neill Gordon,
MP for Miramichi