It was Tuesday, June 6th, 1944 when a pivotal battle began in Normandy, during World War II. Allied forces landed on the beaches, initiating the invasion and liberation of Nazi-held Europe.

Canadian troops were heavily involved, touching down on Juno Beach.

It's an event Portage la Prairie Royal Canadian Legion Branch 65 President Bob Oldford says is still marked locally, noting as the anniversary approaches, members talk more about it.

Bob Oldford

"Some of the senior members of the Legion, members who have served, whether it be in peacetime, or whether it be in Afghanistan, all remember the sacrifices that have been made in the past. And it is an important time for us to do that."

Oldford says what's significant for him is the Canadian 3rd Division went further inland than anyone.

"Which was a significant thing, because this past year we've remembered things like Vimy Ridge, where Canadians did something that others couldn't do. And here again, Canadians showed their fortitude in moving forward, and doing stuff that others didn't thing were possible. It was a bad day for landing, too, on June the 6th, today."

He realizes D-Day's less important as time moves forward, but urges younger people to understand the impact of what happened 73 years ago.

"It gives them the opportunity to do many of the things that they do today, because that was a significant battle within World War II. Without D-Day, I think the war would have continued a little longer. It's one of the things for us to realize, as individuals, that those freedoms always come at a cost."