COVID-19 played havoc on countless numbers of anniversaries and traditions the past few years and now, with the majority of society vaccinated, public gatherings and events are rebounding to life.

One anniversary that slipped by in 2020 was the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which concluded Sept. 2, 1945.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 24 (Cranbrook) intends to honour that anniversary on Sept. 2 (the 77th anniversary of the end of the war) with a small ceremony at the Cenotaph in Rotary Park. The ceremony will take place at 4 p.m.

“As the saying goes, better late than never,” a Legion member noted.

Residents are invited to attend as the Legion pays tribute to those who have served our country, some paying the ultimate price.

The anniversary celebration will continue at the branch following the ceremony.

And speaking of important anniversaries, eighty years ago today (August 19, 1942), more than 6,000 Canadian and British (80% Canadian) troops stormed the rocky beaches at Dieppe, France.

Ten hours later, 3,623 of the 6,086 troops were either killed (907), wounded or taken prisoner.

The disaster at Dieppe was Canada’s costliest day of the entire war but it served as a vital learning experience for Allied strategists leading up to D-Day.

Please take a moment today to remember and honour the sacrifices made for our nation and planet on that day 80 years ago, and for all the sacrifices made by our armed forces members then and today.

Learn more about Dieppe.

Lead image: The aftermath of the Dieppe raid on August 2, 1942. National WWII Museum image

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