Questions and answers
Context
In 2024, the Government of Canada is marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy with local, national and international activities.
On 6 June 1944—D-Day—Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy in France. Faced with difficult odds, the Canadians took their marching orders and began a campaign to liberate Western Europe after years of harsh German occupation and helped end the Second World War.
General
Q1. What has the Government of Canada planned to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy?
This year, the Government of Canada is marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy with commemorative ceremonies and events in towns and cities across Canada, and in Normandy, France. Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is also offering free learning materials and web-based programming.
Q2. What events are being planned in Canada?
Throughout the month of May, and in the lead up to the 80th anniversary, events will be organized across Canada to recognize and remember Canada’s participation in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. On 6 June 2024, a signature commemorative event will be held in Moncton, New Brunswick, where Veterans Affairs Canada will host a ceremony in Victoria Park. A wreath-laying ceremony will also take place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
For information on commemorative events near you, or to add your community event, please visit our Commemorative Events Calendar.
Q3. What events are being planned overseas?
In France, the Canadian signature ceremony will take place at the Juno Beach Centre on June 6 at 11:00 a.m. Planning is ongoing and more details on Government of Canada initiatives will be posted as they become available.
Q4. Who is organizing the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy?
Veterans Affairs Canada is planning and delivering commemorative services and events related to the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in Canada and overseas with support from the Canadian Armed Forces and other partners both domestically and internationally.
Many other organizations are also planning events to mark this special commemoration. Numerous other events will be organized throughout Normandy to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Information on those events is available on this page.
Q5. How can I get involved in my community?
Veterans Affairs Canada is committed to supporting events across the country to mark this important milestone. Through the Commemorative Partnership Program, the Department offers funding to not-for-profit groups and organizations for initiatives that recognize Canadian Veterans and those who died in service. For more information about commemorative funding programs, including program guidelines and application forms, please visit our Community Engagement page.
If you are planning an event in your community, you are encouraged to add it to our Community Events Calendar.
Q6. Can I lay a wreath/flowers at commemorative events?
Members of the public will not be able to bring or lay wreaths during the June 6 ceremony at the Juno Beach Centre.
In Canada, members of the public will have the opportunity to lay wreaths/flowers following the formal ceremonies.
Q7. When do I wear my medals?
Medals are usually worn to parades and commemorative events and ceremonies. It is appropriate to wear your medals to commemorative events being hosted by Veterans Affairs Canada. For information on the wearing of medals at other events and ceremonies, please visit The Governor General of Canada website.
Q8. I am a performer/musician and I’d like to offer my services at the D-Day events in France. Who can I contact to share a sample of my work?
Thank you for your interest in performing at the events marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. Please email commemorativeevents-activitescommemoratives@veterans.gc.ca. We will keep your request on file and, if it is determined that there is a possibility that we would require your services, you may be invited to submit a sample of your work. Planning is very advanced at this time and in all likelihood we may not be able to accommodate additional performances.
Delegations
Q9. Will the Government of Canada send an official delegation both to France and Moncton, New Brunswick?
Yes. The Government of Canada is sending an official delegation to take part in ceremonies and events marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in France, from 4-9 June 2024. The Government of Canada will also be sending an official delegation to Moncton, New Brunswick, from 4-7 June 2024.
Q10. Who are the members of the official Government of Canada delegation travelling overseas?
The Government of Canada will be represented by approximately 130 individuals, in addition to a Canadian Armed Forces contingent.
The Government of Canada delegation will be led by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and include:
- Approximately 15 Second World War Veterans and their caregivers
- Representatives of Veterans organizations and Indigenous groups
- Departmental officials, including the Minister of Veterans Affairs
- Parliamentarians
- Special guests
- Support and medical staff
Q11. Which Government of Canada officials will be part of the Government of Canada delegation going overseas?
Typically, the Minister of Veterans Affairs, three members of Parliament and a Senator are part of the official Veterans Affairs Canada delegation that travels overseas to take part in commemorative events.
Parliamentarians who join the delegation are nominated by their party’s whip. There are currently three parties with official party status in the House of Commons. Therefore three members of Parliament, one from each official party, would be invited to join the delegation travelling to Juno Beach Centre and Normandy. The Speaker of the Senate will also be invited to nominate one senator.
Q12. Who are the members of the official Government of Canada delegation attending 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy events in Moncton?
We are still in the process of confirming members of the official delegation. It will include Second World War Veterans, representatives from Veterans organizations and Indigenous groups, and parliamentarians.
Q13. How did Veterans Affairs Canada select the Veterans in the delegations?
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) uses many methods to solicit nominations for participation in delegations, both overseas and in Canada, including working with Veteran and regimental associations, The Royal Canadian Legion and Veterans themselves.
D-Day Veterans interested in participating in these events are encouraged to make their interest known. VAC is hosting delegations both in-Canada and Overseas, and we will work with interested Veterans to ensure they have the opportunity to participate.
Q14. How were representatives from Indigenous Veterans organizations chosen?
To ensure appropriate representation from diverse groups across Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada has extended invitations to national Indigenous organizations seeking a representative to be part of the official delegation. The delegates have been selected based on the nominations from these Indigenous organizations.
Juno Beach Centre ceremony (June 6)
Q15. I have officially registered for the ceremony on June 6. When will my official ticket be issued?
Your official ticket will be sent to you via e-mail closer to the date of the ceremony.
IMPORTANT: You must bring both your official ticket and your photo ID (passport or National photo ID Card) on the day of the ceremony. There is no exception to this security requirement. Without your official ticket and your official photo ID, you will not be able to attend the ceremony on 6 June 2024.
Q16. I am officially registered for the ceremony on June 6. Can I bring a guest with me?
Due to heightened security in France and limited space on the event sites, anyone planning to attend one of our ceremonies must be registered separately. It will not be possible to bring an unregistered guest to this event.
Q17. Can I visit the Juno Beach Centre in the days leading up to the ceremony?
In order to allow for preparations for the ceremony on June 6, there will be no access to the Juno Beach Centre on June 5 or June 6. Please consult the Juno Beach Centre’s website for their regular operating hours and any changes in hours due to preparations for the June 6 ceremony.
Q18. How do I access the Juno Beach Centre on June 6? Will transportation be available?
Details on how to access the site on June 6 will be provided to those who have registered in advance. Please follow these instructions carefully as any deviation from them could lead to you being denied access to the site.
As is the case for many of the events surrounding the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, this event location will be closed to the non-registered public for the duration of the event.
Please note that the public will be required to be on-site well in advance of the start of the ceremony. Transportation to and from the site, as well as security checks, could result in wait times. We recommend you bring snacks as there will be no concession on site.
Q19. Will there be parking onsite for the June 6 ceremony? Will the site be wheelchair accessible?
There will be no parking onsite for the June 6 ceremony. The Juno Beach Centre is accessible to wheelchairs, however the portion of the site designated for the public may present challenges for those with mobility issues.
Q20. Is seating assigned during the signature ceremony taking place on June 6 at the Juno Beach Centre?
There is limited seating for the public, available on a first-come-first-served basis. There are zones with seating designated for the Government of Canada delegation and dignitaries.
Q21. Is there anything I should bring with me to the June 6 ceremony?
Bring your ticket and your national ID (passport or other government issued ID). As you could be on site for several hours, we suggest you bring any medication that may be required during that time. It is always a good idea to carry a list of your medications and allergy information in case of emergency.
We recommend you bring snacks as there will be no concession on site. You will be able to bring non-alcoholic drinks in plastic bottles containing less than 1 litre. There will be water available on site. Please consult the list of authorized and prohibited items.
Weather in Normandy in early June can be unpredictable. It is advisable to check the local forecast before departing for the ceremony and to be prepared for very warm or very cold, wet and rainy weather.
Q22. Are there any items I cannot bring as I attend events in France?
In order to ensure the safety and security of all those attending the events, as well as to ensure that views are not obstructed, the public should limit the items they wish to bring to event locations. Please consult the list of authorized and prohibited items.
Registration
Q23. Will I need to pre-register to attend the ceremony in France?
Due to heightened security in France and limited space on the event site, anyone planning to attend our Canadian signature ceremony at the Juno Beach Centre in France on June 6 must be registered.
Registration will open on 22 April 2024.
For additional information please contact Veterans Affairs Canada at: commemorativeevents-activitescommemoratives@veterans.gc.ca.
Q24. Why is it necessary to register for this event?
Registration is necessary due to the limited space available. A security screening is also mandatory for everyone who registers and will be required to provide certain pieces of personal information. A final confirmation will be issued once the screening process has been completed.
Q25. What if registration is full? Can I join a waiting list?
No, there will not be a waitlist. Space is limited, and registration will be on a first come, first served basis.
Q26. Will I need to pre-register for any events in Canada?
No, registration is not required for the public events in Canada.
For additional information please contact Veterans Affairs Canada at: commemoration-rsvp-commemoration@veterans.gc.ca.
Q27. What if I provided incorrect personal information?
If you provided incorrect personal information, please contact us at commemorativeevents-activitescommemoratives@veterans.gc.ca.
Privacy
Q28. Who will have access to the information I share?
The information collected, in accordance with Order-in-Council 1965-688, may be used by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), the Canadian Embassy in France and the French authorities to determine admissibility and to issue e-tickets to the Government of Canada ceremony. VAC may disclose personal information collected for the Government of Canada events to a third-party contractor in order to issue tickets for those events that require an e-ticket or badge. Information shared may include first name, last name, date of birth, place of birth and email address.
Q29. What happens to my personal information held by Veterans Affairs Canada after the event concludes?
Your information will be destroyed two years after the last administrative use of the information.
Q30. What will happen to my personal information held by the Canadian Embassy in France?
It will be destroyed immediately following the Juno Beach Centre event on 6 June 2024.
Q31. How can I find out more about the collection and disclosure of my personal information by Veterans Affairs Canada?
Please consult the Veterans Affairs Canada section of the Information about Programs and Information Holdings in the Personal Information Bank, Ceremonies and Events (VAC PPU 621).
Q32. I have concerns about Veterans Affairs Canada’s handling of my personal information, who can I contact?
If you have questions, comments, concerns or complaints about Veterans Affairs Canada’s handling of your personal information please contact VAC ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) Coordinator by email at atip-aiprp@veterans.gc.ca or by phone at 1-877-566-8609. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada by visiting their website at www.priv.gc.ca or by telephone at 1-800-282-1376.
Travel
Q33. Will Veterans Affairs Canada pay travel costs to Normandy or Moncton for Veterans who decide not to travel as part of the official delegation?
No. While we recognize the importance and significance of these initiatives to the individuals and groups requesting assistance, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is not able to provide assistance for those outside of the official delegations.
D-Day Veterans interested in participating in these events are encouraged to make their interest known. VAC is hosting delegations both in-Canada and overseas, and we will work with interested Veterans to ensure they have the opportunity to participate.
Q34. Will Veterans Affairs Canada provide financial support to my group (e.g. school, youth tour group, band choir, bus tour) to travel to France?
No. While we recognize the importance and significance of these initiatives to the individuals and groups requesting assistance, Veterans Affairs Canada is not able to provide assistance for such requests.
Q35. I am looking for assistance securing accommodations during my stay in Normandy. Can Veterans Affairs Canada help?
Veterans Affairs Canada is not in a position to secure accommodations for the general public in France. However, we can refer you to the Normandy tourism office: https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/plan-your-trip/where-to-stay/.
Q36. How should I prepare for safe travel to France for D-Day 80?
Before leaving Canada, Canadian travelers should visit Travel.gc.ca and consult the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories for France. Travel.gc.ca includes updated travel advice on security, entry and exit requirements, travel health, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, and emergency contact information.
Canadians are also encouraged to sign up with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service. This service is free and allows the Government of Canada to notify Canadian citizens in case of an emergency outside Canada or a personal emergency in Canada while you’re away.
The service also allows government officials to contact registered Canadians with important information, including:
- preparing for an emergency (such as a natural disaster or civil unrest)
- what to do during an emergency
- Significant or urgent changes to the Travel Advice and Advisories for the country for which you registered
Through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, Global Affairs Canada can also help your family or friends reach you in case of an emergency abroad.
We also recommend that you leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information for the places where you’ll be staying with a trustworthy person in Canada.
Q37. Who to contact in case of an emergency while outside Canada?
At any time, Canadians in need of emergency consular assistance, should contact the Embassy of Canada in Paris by phone at +33 (0)1 44 43 29 02 or contact the Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre:
- Telephone: +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available).
- Email: sos@international.gc.ca
- SMS: +1 613-686-3658
- WhatsApp: +1 613-909-8881
- Signal: +1 613-909-8087
- Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad
During large-scale emergencies, such as natural disasters and civil unrest, the Government of Canada may liaise with families back in Canada or try to put Canadians in touch with their families.
Q38. What do I do if I lose my passport while travelling in France?
If your passport or travel document is lost or stolen, contact the Embassy of Canada in Paris as soon as possible:
- by email at paris-consulaire@international.gc.ca
- leave a voicemail by calling +33 (0)1 44 43 29 02
- A consular official will contact you to provide guidance on the right passport service for your situation
You will be required to come to the embassy in person to apply for a temporary passport.
Keep in mind that the processing time for a temporary passport ranges from 2 to19 business days and depends on the complexity of your application.
Learn more about passport services available from the Embassy of Canada to France.
Learn more about lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged and found passports.
Q39. Can I travel outside of Canada with my medals?
Yes. Both the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority and the US Transportation Security Administration permit military medals in both carry-on baggage and checked baggage. If you are unsure, please check with your airline.
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