2004 Remembrance Day Poster - The Italian Campaign

During Veterans’ Week, which runs from November 5th to the 11th, Canadians of all ages are encouraged to make a special effort to remember the tremendous contribution of Canada’s veterans in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, and Canadian Forces in peace missions and operations.

During the fall of 2004, and during Veterans’ Week 2004, we pay special tribute to Canada’s veterans of the Italian Campaign. Sixty years ago, between the summer of 1943 and early 1945, some 100,000 young Canadian men and women served their country in Italy. Canadian casualties in the Italian Campaign totalled more than 26,000. Nearly 6,000 Canadians lost their lives. The Italian Campaign marked Canada’s full participation in the Western Allies’ triumphant return to the continent of Europe.

This poster, in which we see a picture of personnel of the 12th Infantry Brigade entering San Pancrazio on July 16, 1944 in their advance to Florence, depicts the torrid conditions, the dust, and the human dignity and perseverance of the Canadian soldiers who so valiantly fought to liberate Italy and give us the freedom and liberties that we enjoy today.

The Canada Remembers Program of Veterans Affairs Canada encourages all Canadians, especially young people, to learn about the sacrifices and achievements of all Canada’s veterans.