Sarnia was one of many communities across the country marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day Thursday.
The Allied invasion of Normandy involved more than 14,000 Canadians. D-Day casualties reached over 10,000, including 359 Canadians who were killed.
Deacon Chuck Stevens addressed the crowd at a sunrise ceremony at the Royal Canadian Legion on Front Street.
"To say that the D-Day landings at Normandy were of vital importance in turning the tide of World War II would be a gross understatement, but to say the events at Normandy changed the course of human history would not be an exaggeration," said Stevens. "Canada, responsible for taking Juno, one of five beaches in this drama, was no longer a bit player. They did not have a minor role, they were major players in that drama. Juno Beach cemented Canada's reputation in World War II, much the same as Vimy Ridge did in World War I, but it was not without a cost."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke at an all-Canadian ceremony Thursday morning at Juno Beach in Normandy.
Sarnia veterans Roy Hare, 94, and Joseph Edwardson, 95, were among the World War II veterans to make the trip to France for the 75th anniversary.
-With files from Josh Boyce
