The 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6 was marked by two events around Brightlingsea’s War Memorial.
The day began with the Town Crier, Alan Stevens, reading the D-Day 80 Proclamation at 8.00 am – which stated that invasion was an “incredible achievement in military planning and logistics uniting brave service personnel”.
The D-Day Proclamation:
“Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France – an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics uniting brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces at the beginning of Operation Overlord.
By the day’s end, over one hundred and fifty thousand Allied troops had successfully stormed the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches to achieve a toehold 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 two 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.
God Save the King”
In the evening, residents and councillors gathered around the War Memorial for a beacon lighting ceremony, which included readings and moments of silence to honour those who fought and died.
Brightlingsea mayor John Carr, who lit the beacon, expressed his gratitude for the community’s participation. “It was heartening to see so many people come out to pay their respects. Our collective memory of D-Day is vital, as it reminds us of the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today,” he said.
