French youth honour Canadian soldiers who died in WW II, one name at a time

A group of young people from Normandy, France are on a journey to honour Canadian veterans.

They raise funds for a trip to Canada every four years so they can read the names of those who gave their lives in the Second World War.

The group, calledWestlake Brothers Souvenir, stopped by the Saint-Hubert Garrison on Monday.

It takes its name from three Canadian brothers Albert, George and Tommy Westlake who were killed soon after D-Day.

Seventeen-year-old Philippe Bosquainsaid it's an honour to read a selection ofnames from the list.

"You think about them, and you say thanks to them individually. Even if you don't really say it just by reading the names, you say thanks to them."

At the ceremony, the group read out the names of 17,000Royal Canadian Air Force members who died in the war.

"I'm quite grateful and proud of being able to read the names. Because they came for us, they're our heroes in Normandy," saidBosquain.

During their three-week trip to Canada, they'll read the names of the more than 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members who died in the war.

Franois Dutil, amaster warrant officer with the RCAF, told CBCNews that the gesture means a great deal.

"Even if nobody is listening, they will say their names aloud to make sure they are remembered. It is that straightforward that beautiful."