On June 6th, 2025, the Juno Beach Centre Association hosted an event commemorating the 81st anniversary of D-Day at the Royal Canadian Military Institute in Toronto. Organized to unlock the potential of Canada’s Juno Beach Centre and its mission to preserve the memory of Canada’s Second World War contributions, the event served as a call to action to continue the legacy of democracy, liberty, freedom and Canadian sovereignty.

The JBCA had the honour of hosting two Second World War Veterans, Major Jim Parks and Private William Seifried. They attended alongside their families and served as powerful living reminders of the courage and sacrifice that shaped our nation.

The event was expertly moderated by J’Lyn Nye, RCAF Honorary Colonel and award-winning journalist, who guided the audience through a program filled with reflection, inspiration, and purpose.

The afternoon began with a compelling keynote by Marc Milner, Professor Emeritus and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. His talk, “Writing Canada Out: Anglo-American Rivalry and the Creation of the Normandy Narrative,” challenged the audience to re-examine the scale and significance of Canada’s role in the Allied invasion of Normandy. He underscored the bravery and sacrifice that took place on Juno Beach and the need for Canadians to work to preserve one of the nation’s most pivotal moments in world history.

Next came a stirring conversation with Nathalie Worthington, Director of the Juno Beach Centre, and Chris LaBossiere, President of the Juno Beach Centre Association. “Juno Beach Centre at a Crossroads” focused on the future of Canada’s only Second World War Museum in Europe, highlighting the Centre’s evolving role and urgent needs as it navigates increasing threats to its existence.

In the third panel, “Why Gifts to Organizations Like the JBC Matter Now More Than Ever,” philanthropic leaders, including Mario Pilozzi (former CEO of Walmart Canada), Lorne Jacobson (TriWest Capital Partners/The Arthur J.E. Child Foundation), and Chris LaBossiere, shared deeply personal motivations for giving. Their discussion highlighted what drives significant philanthropic support and how historical institutions like the JBC can foster deeper connections with donors.

A major highlight of the event was the announcement of a $100,000 gift from the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation, an inspiring act of generosity that will directly support the JBC’s Capital Campaign. This campaign advances the Centre’s bold vision to preserve sacred ground, be leaders in sustainability, and inspire through education and remembrance.

Now, thanks to the generosity of Canso Investment Counsel Ltd. and Lysander Funds Ltd., our next $1M raised for the Capital Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar. This extraordinary matching opportunity will help fund a range of vital initiatives, including the creation of a monument dedicated to the 381 Canadian soldiers and air crew who gave their lives on June 6, 1944 to establish the foothold that eventually defeated Nazi Germany’s war machine in northwest Europe and restored freedom to millions.

The Arthur J.E. Child Foundation’s generous gift is the first major donation for our matching campaign. Join the mission to honour their sacrifice and help bring this tribute to life. Visit the Capital Campaign page to learn more and make your matched donation today.

The afternoon closed with a heartfelt keynote from Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough–Agincourt. He spoke about the gift of opportunity Canada gave him as the first Armenian-Canadian elected to the Ontario Legislature and urged attendees to embrace Canada’s complex and powerful history as a source of national pride and responsibility.

Together, the day served as a remembrance and a rallying cry: to honour the past and protect the future, ensuring that the Juno Beach Centre remains a place where Canadian stories are told for generations to come.

The sacrifices made on the beaches of Normandy 81 years ago were not just for their time, they were for ours. As we honour their courage, we carry a responsibility to protect their legacy for future generations. The Juno Beach Centre stands as a living tribute to their sacrifice, but we cannot do it alone. Join us, lend your support, share their story, and help ensure that the memory, the lessons, and the freedoms they fought for live on.