A pair of combat boots has been loaded on a train in Vancouver to begin a cross-country journey symbolizing those who travelled to Halifax during the Second World War before they embarked for Europe. He says the boots serve as a visual reminder of the thousands of Canadians who traded their civilian shoes for combat boots and travelled halfway around the world to fight for freedom, democracy and peace. More than 5,000 Canadians died in the Battle of Normandy and 359 were killed on June 6, 1944, known as D-Day. McAuley says commemorative ceremonies will be held in nine communities across the country as the train makes its journey. Members of the Canadian Forces carry a pair of combat boots to a VIA Rail train to begin their journey to Halifax, at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, on Friday March 29, 2019.

Source: CBC News March 29, 2019 21:56 UTC