On June 6, 1944, Canada took part in the invasion that would mark the beginning of the liberation of France and the end of the Second World War. Canada and Allied Forces made tremendous sacrifices on D-Day and the Battle of Normandy that followed.

Under the direction of the federal department of Veterans Affairs, a Committee was struck in Ontario's capital, Toronto - and in other capitals across the country - to mark the 60th anniversary of this historic event and to honour these veterans. In a letter addressed to the Premiers, the Honourable Minister McCallum pointed out that "… The average age of the D-Day Veterans has now surpassed 80 years. What a marvelous opportunity to recognize their contribution to the country for which they laid their lives on the line."

The Ontario Planning Committee began preparations in late January, meeting on a monthly basis to brainstorm and then flesh out ideas. Represented on the Committee were the federal, provincial, and city governments, the Canadian military, legions and other veterans associations, service organizations like the Salvation Army, non-profit associations like the Dominion Institute, among others.

A number of events were scheduled for that day, and personal invitations were sent to the 1,900 self-identified D-Day and Battle of Normandy veterans living in Ontario. The response was overwhelming - veterans came from as far away as Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay and Kitchener to be aptly honoured.

Displays of military memorabilia, models and photographs were in the Toronto City Hall rotunda for June 6th and the week prior to the event. Similarly, the Toronto Reference Library displayed World War II posters, Victory bond advertisements and officers casualty lists and other items from their Special Collections Department.

On June 6th, the actual 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, the City hosted 'Toronto Remembers D-Day, 1944' at Nathan Philips Square, the public space in front of Toronto City Hall. Along with the displays inside City Hall, there was musical entertainment, displays, and formal ceremonies that the public was encouraged to attend.

Live entertainment and music livened up the Square. Radio AM 740 played big band music - perfect for the swing dance demonstration that took place. The highlight was an entertainment group called Hits of the Blitz, a 2-hour vaudeville act of skits and songs from the 1940s. There was also the Salvation Army Reservist Band, and the Whitby Senior Jubilee Choir to round out the program. The City also continually broadcast a videotaped recording of the official ceremony from Normandy, France that had taken place earlier that day.

There were displays on the Square as well. The Salvation Army generously handed out coffee, water and donuts to the public, the same service they provided Canadian soldiers during the Second World War. A vintage TTC streetcar from the 1940's ran for free along Queen Street. The CBC played radio reports from June 6, 1944 and showed vintage live footage of the invasion. The Tupperware corporation displayed products from 1944, its first year in business. Veterans Affairs Canada distributed posters, fact sheets and children's books about Canada's military history, and City volunteers handed out poppies and Canadian flags.

North of Toronto City Hall, a therapeutic garden was opened at Sunnybrook Hospital, after which the 32 Canadian Brigade conducted a March of Remembrance, marching in full military gear the nine kilometres from Sunnybrook Hospital to Queen's Park. 1,000 Cadents also marched, from Ramsden Park to Queen's Park, lining the walkway at Queen's Park for the City of Toronto's March of Remembrance.

The City of Toronto March of Remembrance traveled up University Avenue to participate in the Grand Provincial Ceremony at Queen's Park. Approximately 500 veterans, veterans' associations, honour guards and colour parties of St. John's Ambulance, the Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto Police and Fire Services, among others, as well as the public. Their march passed over the former site of the University Armouries where soldiers registered to board ships for the Boer War, First World War and Second World War. Marchers traveled up by foot, by wheelchair and scooter, or rode on accessible TTC buses that were provided to the City for that purpose. Crowds along the route clapped and cheered to see the veterans walking so proudly behind the marching band and colour parties.

The Grand Provincial Commemorative Ceremony included veterans and the public. The ceremony included the Premier and Lieutenant Governor among other dignitaries, a march past of 32 Canadian Brigade, a fly-past of the Lancaster Bomber, and the laying of wreaths. Following the ceremony, veterans and their families were all invited to a reception with the Lieutenant Governor and Premier.