CARPIQUET, France (GNB) – A ceremony was recently held in Carpiquet in northern France to pay tribute to those Acadians belonging to the North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment who died in combat on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

The provincial government was represented by the Deputy Premier and Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud, who is also minister responsible for La Francophonie.

"It is a great honour to have this opportunity to pay tribute to soldiers from the Acadian community who contributed to the liberation of France," Robichaud said at the ceremony.  Several French and Canadian dignitaries as well as members of the families of fallen soldiers participated.

Since 1944, French communities have held annual ceremonies to honour soldiers of various origins involved in their liberation. At Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer, near Carpiquet, Acadian Week commemorates the sacrifices that led to the liberation of this community in 1944.

Robichaud laid a wreath of remembrance and, on behalf of New Brunswick, he thanked local communities for preserving the memory of those who gave their lives for the return of freedom in France and the rest of Europe.

"The North Shore (New Brunswick) Regiment counted many victims during the early hours of D-Day,” said Robichaud. “Many had typical Acadian surnames – LeBlanc, Robichaud, Arseneault, Caissie, Gallant, Poirier. Despite the challenges and pitfalls, by dint of bravery and courage, Canadian soldiers were successful, and the liberation of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer was finally achieved after four years of German occupation.”

About 22,000 Acadians participated in various conflicts during the Second World War in France, Italy and Asia. Nearly 750 of them were killed during their service, including a dozen in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer on Juno Beach, Normandy on D-Day.


30-08-12