The Juno Beach Centre, Normandy, France
In 1944, the beaches of Normandy saw the landing of thousands of soldiers during the Allied war effort.
Today, those same beaches are the site of the Juno Beach Centre, ?a place of commemoration and discovery dedicated to the Canadians who fought in the Second World War.?
The Centre was inaugurated on June 6, 2003. Permanent and temporary exhibits allow visitors to explore Canada’s role in World War II, both at home and on distant fronts. Guides take visitors (from veterans to school groups) on tours of Juno Beach, sharing stories of the historic site.
Along with honouring the bravery and sacrifice of those Canadian soldiers more than 60 years ago, the Centre gives young Canadians today the opportunity to represent this country as well–this time, in the role of guides.
Not only do they have the opportunity to learn more about their own country’s history, they also get the chance–perhaps a once in a lifetime chance–to visit France! If You’re interested in applying to work as a guide at the Centre (opportunities are from three months up to one year), their website (http://www.junobeach.org/Centre/index.html) has all the information you’ll need.
Whether as a visitor or a guide, the Juno Beach Centre offers an up-close look at a fascinating part of Canadian history?a history well worth discovering.
