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Some are questioning the absence of Manitoba’s premier from a key ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day, an event he noted as one reason he’s currently in Europe.

But Premier Brian Pallister’s office said he actually gave up his spot at a Thursday Government of Canada ceremony to mark the anniversary so that a veteran could attend instead.

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The premier told reporters on Tuesday that he was heading to Europe to commemorate D-Day, which is seen as a pivotal point in World War II. On June 6, 1944, thousands of Canadians landed in Normandy, France to fight for the liberation of Europe from the Nazis.

“Later today, we’ll be heading over to France to show our respects for the valour and sacrifice of our veterans,” said Pallister. “We’ll join in the 75th commemorative recognition of the Normandy invasion and combine that with a number of meetings, looking for (business) opportunities for Manitoba.”