We are firm believers that museums are a perfect way to learn about the history and culture of a place.  Today’s history lesson was learned at Musée Naval de Québec. It is the only one of its kind in the area and is one of the 73 official museums of the Canadian Armed Forces. Located at the Port, it gave us an opportunity to explore even farther. Oh, and like so many things here, it’s free.

The exhibition, Heirs of the Wars, “gives voice to the descendants and relatives of sailors who lived through the Second World War. How did the experience of war change their parents? What objects did they bring back? What were the impacts of this military heritage on their families, once back in their civilian life? From epic naval battles to unexpected friendships, meet those who fought for peace through the testimonies of the people who knew them best.”

We learned a great deal about the Royal Canadian Navy’s significant contribution to the success of the Normandy invasion. More than 100 of its ships participated with minesweepers clearing a path across the English Channel for the Allied troops crossing to France. Its guns bombarded the Normandy coast relentlessly to wear down the German defenses, and its landing craft carried load after load of soldiers onto the beach. The Germans were overwhelmed on all fronts. By the end of the war, about 42,000 of Canada's sons and daughters were killed. Many of their stories were told here.