On November 11, guests gathered at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. to observe Remembrance Day. In Canada and other Commonwealth nations, Remembrance Day involves ceremonies, moments of silence, and the wearing of poppies as symbols of remembrance. It’s a day to reflect on the courage and resilience of those who fought and to renew a collective commitment to peace and freedom.
This year’s ceremony held a special significance, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day—a day that reshaped history and bonded nations in shared resolve. Ambassador Kirsten Hillman and Acting Canadian Defence Attaché Colonel Barry Leonard each shared powerful reflections, underscoring the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom.
Ambassador Hillman began her remarks by transporting the audience back to June 6, 1944, to the shores of Normandy, where Canadian, American, British, French, and Allied soldiers fought side by side. “Imagine, just for a moment, being there, on that longest of days, June 6th,” she said, pausing to let the weight of her words settle as she described what it must have felt like for soldiers in the landing craft. “The silence grows heavy, a shared fear hanging thick in the air… Finally, after what feels like an eternity, the landing ramp slams open—and, as many veterans would later recall, ‘all hell breaks loose.’” Through vivid imagery, she evoked the courage and sacrifice of those young soldiers who faced overwhelming challenges with unwavering resolve.
Among those remembered was Norm Kirby, of British Columbia, whose landing craft struck a mine near Juno Beach. Despite the explosion, Kirby made it to shore, armed with little more than a fork, knife, and spoon. Ambassador Hillman also shared the story of Charles Shay, a combat medic from the Penobscot Nation, Maine, who, under relentless machine gun fire, pulled wounded men from the water, saving as many as he could.
Colonel Leonard emphasized the vast scale of D-Day, noting, “nearly 7,000 Allied ships filled the English Channel; thousands of landing craft assaulted the beaches, and a fleet of 12,000 aircraft shadowed their every step. But it was the quiet resolve of 150,000 soldiers, sailors, and aviators—bearing the hopes of their nations—that stands at the heart of that day.”
The ceremony also acknowledged Canada’s continuing contributions to global peace and security, with Canadian Armed Forces members deployed across the world, from Eastern Europe to the Middle East, supporting humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and disaster relief missions. From the shores of Normandy in 1944 to current domestic and international operations, “It is this continuity—the unbroken line of service and commitment—that gives me hope,” Colonel Leonard stated.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Ambassador Hillman and Colonel Leonard led the attendees in a moment of silence, a time to reflect and renew the promise made to all those who served and continue to serve. “Today,” concluded Ambassador Hillman, “as we remember those who stormed the beaches and skies of Normandy, let us honour them by living out those values, keeping their legacy alive through our own service, and ensuring the world they fought for remains worth fighting for.”
Lest we forget.
Photos by Oskar Dap Photography. See more photos of the Remembrance Day ceremony here.
The Embassy of Canada, in collaboration with our partners at the British and French Embassies and the U.S. Army Center of Military History, is honoured to present a gallery exhibition marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. The exhibit is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm free of charge at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Learn more here.