Statement

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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65th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC

May 4, 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement regarding the 65th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic:

"The Battle of the Atlantic raged through the entire Second World War. For six years, the men and women of the Canadian Merchant Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force fought the enemy on our Canadian shores.

The Atlantic Ocean was a crucial supply line between North America and Britain, and the Canadians provided protection to the many supply ships that ventured across.

Through treacherous conditions, the Canadians fought a turbulent battle. After increased resources and better training, the tides turned in favour of the Allies in May, 1943—setting the stage for future success.

Today we remember the Canadians who protected us during the Battle of the Atlantic, and we honour more than 4,600 of their courageous comrades who lost their lives at sea.

During the Battle of the Atlantic we became the guardians of those in need, and today we continue this noble tradition. The Canadian Forces now serving in Afghanistan and elsewhere are proudly upholding our tradition of confronting tyranny and oppression and building peace and security around the world.

Let us never forget those who served Canada with pride, and the men and women who continue to serve our country today."

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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