Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in France on Friday for the 70th anniversary of the Allied landings on Normandy's beaches – Juno and Omaha, the D-Day landings – on the 70th anniversary of 'Operation Overlord'.
Harper visited the Canadian military cemetery in Beny-sur-mer and then spoke to veterans and visitors with a speech delivered at Courseulles-sur-mer, where the Juno Beach Centre is located.
"You will find that courage is still courage, honour is still honour, and the freedom, democracy, and justice for which these veterans fought is still Canada's birthright," he said.
"It is their legacy to you. Cherish it."
Over 14,000 Canadians stormed the beach strip where Harper delivered his speech on Friday, on June 6, 1944. An additional 150,000 troops followed them over the next few months.
Video/Files: The Canadian Press