The Act of Remembrance through the lens of Normandy

Every year, Commissionaires creates a visual tribute for Remembrance Day. This year’s artwork reflects on the lasting meaning of service and sacrifice.

Origins of the 2024 Commissionaires Remembrance Artwork

Original photograph courtesy of the Canadian War Museum titled "Infantrymen in a Landing Craft Assault (LCA) going ashore from H.M.C.S. PRINCE HENRY off the Normandy beachhead, France, 6 June 1944". This image depicts Canadian soldiers and sailors about seven miles from the beaches of Normandy. This moment embodies the bravery of the thousands who risked everything.

The focus of this year’s visual tribute is a photograph courtesy of the Canadian War Museum titled “Infantrymen in a Landing Craft Assault (LCA) going ashore from H.M.C.S. PRINCE HENRY off the Normandy beachhead, France, 6 June 1944”. This image depicts Canadian soldiers and sailors about seven miles from the beaches of Normandy. This moment embodies the bravery of the thousands who risked everything.

A Representation of Sacrifice and Service

 Cette photo représente des soldats et des marins canadiens à environ sept milles (11,3 km) des plages de Normandie. Ce moment illustre la bravoure des milliers de personnes qui ont tout risqué. We will remember them. Nous nous souviendrons d'eux.

While the photo commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, its focus extends beyond that event to the broader act of remembrance. On Remembrance Day, this image becomes a symbol not just of those who stormed the beaches on June 6, 1944, but of all men and women who have worn the uniform and served Canada in times of war and peace. It is meant to remind us of the sacrifice and service embedded in our nation’s history.

Commissionaires National Board Chair Gord Winkel reflected on the artwork noting, “The power of the image reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy today are the direct result of the sacrifices of generations past.”

Every act of bravery and sacrifice helps tell the story of who we are as Canadians. On Remembrance Day, we pause to honour those who defended our shared values, as well as those who continue to defend them today, connecting past and present.

Discover what Remembrance Day means to our commissionaires, in their own words: