As many as 60 people gathered at the Sarnia Legion Branch 62 for a ceremony on Thursday to recognize the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Legion President Ron Realesmith said the cornerstone of every Legion is the act of remembrance, and June 6 is a day that holds much importance.
"It's great to see so many people come out to recognize the 80th anniversary of D-Day. For those that don't know, D-Day was a pivotal moment in the Second World War, really the war to end all wars," he said. "At this moment, the allies were able to come together and really penetrate into France and take back such an important piece that ultimately led to the end of the war."
Over 14,000 Canadians were among the 150,000 Allied troops who stormed the beaches of Normandy. On June 6, 1944, 381 Canadians were killed.
Eighty years later, Realesmith said the least that can be done is honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Realesmith also said he feels a personal connection during ceremonies such as this as his grandfather fought in the Second World War and his father is a veteran as well.
"Sitting right next to me was a Silver Cross Mother. She paid the ultimate sacrifice with her son dying in battle," he said. "So when I'm standing next to her, and I'm looking around seeing so many veterans... then directly behind the Cenotaph, we're looking up at all the names of all the soldiers that had fought in the Second World War, it really brings it home."
Sarnia Legion and 1st Hussars Association member Bill Chafe said he too felt an emotional connection to the D-Day anniversary, adding he watched the televised service held at Juno Beach in France.
"As I watched the veterans down on the beach it brought back memories," Chafe said. "Of course, I wasn't a D-Day veteran, but in my experience, being there and realizing the importance of what they did and the emotions and the impact that goes with it... it's just tremendous. Seeing that again this morning brought back memories of my visit to Juno."
Chafe said the Sarnia Legion made a commitment to honour every fifth anniversary.
Only a few Second World War veterans remain in Sarnia.
Meanwhile, the Plympton-Wyoming Museum will open a commemorative D-Day exhibit on Saturday, June 8. The exhibit will be located on the lower level of the Camlachie Library.
