A special commemorative exhibition entitled From Vimy to Juno: Canada in France 1914-45 opened today at the Okanagan Military Museum. This national travelling exhibition explores the connections between defining moments in Canadian history and the experiences of Canadians who fought in both world wars. From Vimy to Juno was developed by the Juno Beach Centre, Canada’s only museum on the D-Day Landing beaches in Normandy, France.
The initiative was launched to commemorate a number of important Canadian anniversaries and milestones, including the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 2017 and the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Normandy Landings.
“In two world wars, hundreds of thousands of Canadians fought in France, where their achievements helped shape our national identity,” said Jenna Zuschlag Misener, Executive Director of the Juno Beach Centre. “The Juno Beach Centre is proud to bring this legacy from the sacred ground of Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach to all Canadians coast to coast through this special program, especially in Kelowna, a city rich in military history.”
“Canadian success on the battlefields at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele set a high standard of performance for Canadian troops serving in the Second World War,” said Keith Boehmer, Military Historian at the Okanagan Military Museum. “This educational exhibition provides an excellent overview of key battles in Canadian military history.” From Vimy to Juno will be on display at the Okanagan Military Museum from January 26 to February 11.
The Okanagan Military Museum is one of three museums operated by the Kelowna Museums Society. The Okanagan Military Museum is visited by over 5,000 visitors and students every year and offers engaging exhibitions about the Okanagan’s contribution to Canada’s military history.
