Revelstoke Honors Heroes: D-Day Remembrance 81 Years Later

Juno Beach, Normandy, France - On June 6, 2025, a poignant ceremony was held at the Revelstoke Cenotaph, remembering the sacrifices made during D-Day, a date forever etched in history. Organized by the Royal Legion’s Branch 46, the event brought together a dozen community members who gathered to honor the approximately 350 Canadian military members who lost their lives on that fateful day in 1944. The Revelstoke Highlanders Pipe Band performed to commemorate the legacy of these brave men and women, stirring emotions among the attendees as they reflected on the sacrifices made for freedom.

During the ceremony, chairman Mark McKee and Mayor Gary Sulz spoke eloquently about the significance of D-Day in the context of the Second World War. McKee pointed out that this day marked a defining moment for Canada, showcasing the nation’s strength and commitment to the fight against tyranny. Mayor Sulz expressed heartfelt gratitude for those who lost their lives and those who fought valiantly, reminding attendees of the heavy toll Canada paid during the Normandy campaign, which saw 5,000 military casualties, essential for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

Remembering the Fallen

Among those honored was Ernest F.J. Phillips, originally from Brighton, U.K. Phillips moved to Revelstoke at age 13 and was a promising member of the community before being deployed overseas. He served in the Second Battalion of the Canadian Scottish Regiment and was tragically lost due to combat wounds on June 6, 1944. Just before his service, he married and dreamed of returning to Revelstoke after the war.

Pvt. Stewart Arthur MacKinlay of the Westminster Regiment also faced fate beyond D-Day, succumbing to injuries sustained during the war on April 15, 1945, in the Netherlands. Their stories are just two of many that highlight the human cost of the conflict, stories that deserve to be told and remembered.

Canada’s Contribution to D-Day

As we remember these heroes, it’s essential to recognize Canada’s role on that momentous day. According to Juno Beach Centre, approximately 21,000 troops landed on Juno Beach, with around 14,000 being Canadians from the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade. In the chaos of battle, Canada endured 381 killed and 584 wounded on D-Day. Of significance is the fact that out of the total 1,074 Canadian casualties that day, 359 were killed.

The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division was tasked with storming Juno Beach, a 10-kilometer stretch of coastline. This was no small feat. Facing heavy fire and a tumultuous sea, nearly half of the first wave of Canadian soldiers were either wounded or killed before they even made it to shore. The Royal Canadian Air Force and Royal Canadian Navy played critical support roles, with thousands of sailors along the coast ensuring the landing attempts were met with as much success as possible.

A Legacy of Valor

The annual tributes along Juno Beach serve not only as a memorial but also as a reminder of the courage displayed by those young men. The sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers are commemorated at the Canadian War Cemetery at Bény-sur-Mer, where many of the fallen rest.

As we reflect on this day, we do so with a sense of solemnity and pride. The community of Revelstoke, through events like this, ensures that the stories of bravery are neither forgotten nor taken for granted. As McKee eloquently stated, the ceremony serves to honor the service and sacrifice of all those who fought, ensuring their stories are preserved for generations to come.

Let us remember that D-Day was not just a military operation but a demonstration of the unyielding spirit of those who believed in freedom. There’s something to be said for the legacy left behind, reminding us all of the cost of peace and the fragility of liberty.