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We will be commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings on 6 June 1944 by lighting the Civic Offices in red and flying a special D-Day commemoration flag.
Never forget
Councillor Les Burrows, Chairman of Council led the tribute by reading the proclamation written by Christian Ashdown, an ex-household cavalry officer.
Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France – an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics by our brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces at the beginning of Operation Overlord.
Over 150,000 Allied troops successfully stormed the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches to achieve a foothold in France.
In the weeks that followed, the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe from the unforgiving countryside of Normandy to the liberation of Paris 2 months later.
We should all remember and never forget the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved and use this commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today.
As we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, let us remember those whose valour and service returned the light of liberty and freedom to Europe’s shores.
The Tribute
Councillor Burrows continued by referencing a tribute which has been commissioned for the commemorations, it will be read at 9.15pm at beacon lightings around the country on 6 June.
Let us remember those who gave their lives at home and abroad during the D-Day landings, whose sacrifice enables us all to enjoy the peace and freedom we have today.
Let us remember those who came home wounded, physically and mentally, and the friends and family who cared for them.
Let us remember those who returned to restore their relationships and rebuild their working lives after years of conflict and turmoil.
Let us remember the families that lost husbands, wives, sons, daughters and sweethearts.
Let us remember the servicemen and women and merchant seafarers of all faiths and nationalities – from all countries – who fought, suffered and died during the D-Day Landings and 6 years of war.
Let us all remember those in the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Merchant Navy, and our Allies – the brave people who kept us safe on the home front and abroad and those in reserved occupations during the difficult time of war.
Let us remember the brave doctors and nurses who cared for the wounded, the men and women who toiled in the fields, the coal mines, the factories and the air raid wardens, police officers, firemen, ambulance drivers and the young people of the Scouts and Guides who all played such a vital role in the war.
Heroes remembered
The Chairman visited North Weald Airfield on Friday 31 May where a fleet of Dakotas, other period aircraft and military vehicles formed part of a 3-day commemoration event. Over the 3 days, visitors got the opportunity to enjoy tours of the aircraft, meet the crew and enjoy 1940s style entertainment.
D-Day 80 Beacons
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