Canadians across the country are marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, which ended the Second World War in Europe on May 8, 1945.
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More than one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders served in the Second World War. Over 45,000 were killed and about 55,000 were wounded.
Canada played a key role in training air crews during the war. The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan ran at more than 100 bases across Canada.
It trained over 130,000 pilots, navigators, and gunners from Canada and Allied nations.
Canadian soldiers also played a major role on D-Day, June 6, 1944 at Juno Beach in Normandy, France.
Canada’s troops pushed farther inland than any other Allied force that day and helped secure a key victory that led to the end of the war in Europe.
In Toronto, Veterans Affairs Canada is hosting a public event to mark the anniversary.
A lantern-lighting and presentation of combat boots will honour remembrance, peace, and the homecoming of soldiers.
Across Canada, people are reflecting on the sacrifices made during the war. In Winnipeg, residents remember how the city came together to celebrate the end of the war in Europe.
Not all celebrations were peaceful.
In Halifax, N.S., V-E Day celebrations turned into riots on May 7 and 8, 1945. Thousands of servicemen and civilians looted the city, causing heavy damage.
A Royal Commission later blamed lax naval authority and poor policing for the unrest.
As Canada marks this milestone, the country remembers the bravery and sacrifice of those who served. Their legacy lives on for future generations.
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