Commemorating Courage:
MNO Veteran’s Council President attends 80th Anniversary of D-Day
The recent 80th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy was marked by Veteran Affairs Canada and its partners with a series of memorial events in Canada and overseas.
Brian Prairie, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Veterans Council (MNOVC), led the Métis National Council (MNC) delegation to France. Joining him was MNO citizen Todd Ross, representing the Rainbow Veterans. The delegation took part in an international commemoration that included moving remarks from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, and Prince William, each underscoring the profound significance of the occasion.
However, the true focus of the anniversary was on the 12 World War II veterans, aged between 98 and 105, who traveled from afar to participate in the ceremonies.
“It truly was the experience of a lifetime for these veterans,” said Prairie. “They were the superstars, shaking hands and signing autographs wherever they went. It was incredible to witness.”
The 80th anniversary commemorations began on June 5, 2024, with a ceremony at Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, followed by a Canadian ceremony at the Juno Beach Centre in Courseulles-sur-Mer on June 6. MNO citizen and beadwork artist Marissa Magneson contributed to the Juno Beach Centre’s display with her beaded poppies added to displays honouring the contributions and sacrifices of the Métis peoples.
Another commemorative ceremony took place on June 7 at the Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery.
“The cemetery we visited was an absolute place of beauty, peace and honour,” remarked Prairie. “Not a single blade of grass was out of place. Gardeners tend to the site every day of the year.”
In addition to these official events, the delegation took part in impromptu ceremonies in Cannes and Abbaye d’Ardenne, creating memorable experiences for all, especially the Indigenous veterans.
“It was very emotional,” Prairie noted. “Throughout the week, all the Indigenous people worked as a team, smudging together and doing everything together. At certain events we would do a smudge for ourselves and then invite the French people to participate. They were very appreciative and excited to take part. It was a super heartwarming experience.”
Prior to the trip abroad, four Métis families had requested that the graves of their ancestors be visited. Prairie and the delegates successfully located all four sites, making offerings and honouring their legacies.
Prairie also had the unique opportunity to visit the graves of those from his own regiment, the Lake Superior Regiment. When attending the Juno Beach Centre ceremonies, Prairie also managed to locate the dedicated MNOVC and the Juno Beach Métis Veterans bricks, whose purchases help fund the pavilion.
“I was very grateful for the chance to represent the Métis Nation and be in France honoring our veterans,” concluded Prairie. “It was a very emotional experience, being present at a site where several thousand Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice. It was my first time overseas as part of a delegation, and the French people we met were very appreciative of the contributions of our Canadian and Indigenous service men and women.”
The anniversary events serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom, ensuring that their legacy continues to be honoured and remembered.