Flags have been raised and services held to mark the 80th anniversary of World War Two’s D-Day operations.
The Normandy landings, referred to as Operation Overlord and Neptune (for the planned amphibious attack), but collectively known as D-Day was meticulously planned and involved allies from all over the world, including sailors, soldiers, and airmen from the USA, Canada, Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland and others.
The invasion on June 6, 1944, is now described as a turning point in the war and often credited for shortening the war by several years.
The Allies used over 5,000 ships and landing craft to land more than 150,000 troops on five beaches in Normandy.
The landings began the liberation of German-occupied France from Nazi control and laid the foundations of the Allied victory on the Western Front.
To mark the anniversary there will be beacon lightings at 9.15pm today ( June 6 ) across the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and on the five beaches in Normandy, France, in celebration of the ‘light of peace that emerged from the darkness of war’
National Fish and Chip Day, is also moving from its traditional Friday slot to Thursday 6th June, in support of the D-Day 80th celebrations.
This morning flags have been raised and services held across the isle including Westgate, where there was an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial on Sea Road, followed by refreshments at St Saviour’s Church.
In Birchington flags were raised at Dog Acre, The Veterans’ Association and Birchington Square.
In Margate the Mayor and Charter Trustees arranged the raising of the Union Flag with the official D-Day commemorative flag, Margate’s flag, and the French Tricolour in honour of the visit from the Mayor of Dunkerque to light Margate’s beacon at 9.15pm in Fort Hill.
In Broadstairs a service was held at RBL’s Maurice House where standards were raised and wreaths laid by guests including Broadstairs mayor Mike Garner and Margate mayor Jack Packman.
In Minster there was a wreath laying ceremony at noon at the village flagpole and in Ramsgate Labour parliamentary hopeful Polly Billington with Mayor of Ramsgate Pat Moore and Cllr Steve Albon attended a commemoration event.
Ms Billington said: “Today is an important day to remember the huge sacrifices previous generations of service people have made to establish freedom across Europe and defend our freedoms at home. We all owe them a huge debt.
“It is also important that our veterans have confidence that the veterans covenant is recognised and implemented. As your MP, I will campaign to ensure all veterans in East Thanet are able to access the public services they need.”
Labour’s candidate for Herne Bay and Sandwich is also the lead for veterans on Thanet District Council. Helen Whitehead said:”Today we both commemorate and remember the collective sacrifices and bravery that mark the very best of our society at the very worst of times.
“My great grandfather fought in WW1; my grandfather in WW2. Both made sacrifices and suffered losses that I cannot imagine; and today we gather together to recognise the service of those who risked, lost and embody so much of the best of humanity.
“Today we unite in remembrance, respect and recognition of sacrifices past, and honour the memories of those who gave and risked so much by working to create a world free from conflict and pain.”
Attended a lovely D-Day event at Cliffsend Village Hall. We must never forget the sacrifices made for our freedom. pic.twitter.com/O9jQgzGqVE
— Cllr Helen Harrison (@helenharrisonuk) June 6, 2024
Meanwhile, Conservative candidate for East Thanet, Helen Harrison, attended a fish and chip lunch at Cliffsend Village Hall. The event, and Tommy installations around the village, have been organised by parish councillor Beryl Harrison (no relation).
We will share more photos after the beacon lighting events.
Find the details for this evening’s lighting events across the isle on the link below:
