The Okotoks Museum and Archives is premiering a new exhibit for the 75th anniversary of D-Day.

D-Day refers to the allied invasion of Normandy, a major landing operation which eventually lead to the liberation of Europe during the Second World War.

Museum Specialist Kathy Coutts says Canadians played a significant role in the in the event, several of which hailed from Okotoks.

"Okotoks residents had a significant roles as well. Okotoks was represented in all three services of the military. There were serviceman who were in the Navy, the Air Force, as well as on the ground in the Army."

She says the exhibit will include several WWII artifacts, as well as information surrounding the Normandy Landing, the ensuing battle, and the Okotokians who were involved.

"The exhibit includes a lot of information on the preparation, the assault, and also the battles that continued right through to the end of August; also a little bit about the three Okotoks area residents who made the supreme sacrifice."

By giving context to the event and the individuals involved, a few of which were locals, Coutts hopes to build a connection between residents and the event.

"I hope people come away with an appreciation of what Canadians, and specifically Okotokians, contributed to D-Day. We learn about it in school and we see movies, but exhibit, I think, is different because we focus on the local contribution, that we played a part in this major operation."

The exhibit opens today at 10am, and runs until the end of August, coinciding with the end of the Battle of Normandy.

 

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