Many of Toronto’s city officials and council members honoured the country’s veterans during the recent D-Day anniversary celebrations held at Nathan Phillips Square.

Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong from Ward 34 Don Valley East and City Council officials welcomed veterans and their families to a ceremony marking the 73rd anniversary of the D-Day invasion and the Battle of Normandy, according to a press release.

The event included guest speaker Trooper Edward Stafford, a veteran of World War II who served in Italy and the United Kingdom. The ceremony also featured the Canadian Military, first responders and other groups in a parade.

Also as part of the D-Day commemoration events, the city of Toronto hosted a photo exhibition where World War II archived photographs and personal images from D-Day veterans and their families were on display. 

Fourteen thousand Canadian troops were among the Allied invasion in Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944, the release stated. The troops joined Allied forces who landed on Juno Beach in Normandy to advance the liberation of Europe during World War II.