My grandad is an Allied Forces veteran from World War Two.

He was in the amphibious assault unit on D-Day, when the allies launched the largest single-day invasion of all time, at 6:30am on June 6, 1944 on the beaches of Normandy, France.

My grandfather was blown out of the water by the enemy as his boat was crossing the channel.

He was a lucky one… he washed up on the shores of France and was taken to an Allied hospital for treatment. He was there for months and will not speak of anything else to do with the war other than the fact that he was fed Guiness stout the whole time to help him regain his strength.

D-Day was the turning point in the war against the Nazis, one of the first times real headway was made against their forces. By 1945, WWII would be over thanks to the incredible bravery and persistance of the Allied Forces.

These soldiers, who fought against tyranny for so long, are who I remember today. Their sacrifices have allowed us to live in relative peace and prosperity for the past 63 years.

But I also remember the heros from WWI, those Canadians fallen at Vimy Ridge and other battles and their valiant efforts in “The war to end all wars”. Not many are still surviving today, but I am greatful also for their sacrifices that helped shape our world, and the technology they helped develop that allowed the Allies in the Second World War to gain ground against the Nazis.

I wear my poppy and will observe a moment of silence today in honour and rememberance of those who have fallen in the line of duty, protecting our freedoms and way of life.

Remember the soldiers, the generals, the nurses, doctors and front line workers. Remember the women who kept the country running while the men were fighting. All should be honoured for their efforts.

The Torch is mine, I will hold it high.*

*Take up our quarrel with the foe:/To you from failing hands we throw/The torch; be yours to hold it high./If ye break with us who die/We shall not sleep, though poppies grow/In Flanders fields. – Major John McCrae, May 1915