The following statement was issued today by Premier Danny Williams. It was also read in the House of Assembly by Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General:

I rise today in recognition of the 60^th anniversary of D-Day and to honour all veterans who fought and died for our freedom.

On June 6, 1944 tens of thousands of allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy marking the beginning of the end of World War II. The Royal Newfoundland Regiment formed an artillery unit and many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians fought in various battalions for Canada and Britain.

Canadian airmen and sailors were among the first to arrive on the coast of Normandy to begin D-Day, a battle that is widely regarded as the turning point in the Second World War. Allied nations incurred significant losses on D-Day; however, the courage, bravery and perseverance of our soldiers led to the end of WW II. Many of the soldiers who fought on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy gave their lives, and they must be remembered.

On Sunday, veterans from several allied nations will be honoured at a very special 60^th anniversary ceremony in France. Ceremonies have also been planned throughout the province and I encourage Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to pay tribute to our veterans by attending.

I find it fitting that we honour our veterans in this honourable House, as they fought and died for the very values and virtues it represents. Every year, the anniversary of D-Day reminds us of the importance of democracy, the damage of tyranny and the heavy price that comes with both.

As Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we have been blessed with sovereignty and freedom. That freedom did not come without sacrifice and I feel it is our duty as citizens of this great province to guarantee that the tremendous contributions of our soldiers are never forgotten. Too many good men perished in the name of peace and freedom. I ask that all members of this honourable House join with me in remembering them today and always.

2004 06 03 2:00 p.m.