80th Anniversary of D-Day
In the early hours of June 6, 1944, a young soldier stood aboard a crowded ship, the chill of the English Channel clinging to his skin. The full moon had yet to make way for the dawn and the sky was cloudless. He was leaving his family, and perhaps his future, behind as he, and thousands like him, set off that summer morning. They were all part of Operation Overlord, heading for the shores of Normandy in an effort to liberate Western Europe from the Nazis. They were supposed to set off the previous day but for reasons unknown to this young soldier the journey had been delayed and he spent the previous evening in a tavern in Portsmouth town with his brothers-in-arms, all nervously anticipating the task ahead. Within several hours he and the young men around him on that ship would storm one of five French beaches in a thunderous wave of humanity. Brave young men, many just teenagers, determined to fight for freedom and make a difference.
We will never know if he returned safely or if he made the ultimate sacrifice. It would take a further three months of battle to complete the liberation with thousands of lives lost on both sides. But today we know that he was part of the largest seaborne invasion in history, a pivotal moment in the Second World War that marked the beginning of the end of the Nazi Germany grip on Europe. He, and every single courageous man who stormed the beaches that day, made a momentous difference and secured the freedom we enjoy today.
Eighty years later we have the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that were made that day. Across the country thousands of beacons will be lit in villages, towns and cities at 9.15pm on Thursday June 6th to represent the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of war. As the flames start to unfurl it will offer a time to pay homage to the fortitude, sacrifice, and resilience of those who participated in this historic event. As time passes, the generation that lived through World War II diminishes. Remembering D-Day ensures that the memory of the war and its significance is preserved for future generations. It helps relay the stories and experiences of those who lived through the war to younger generations, ensuring that the lessons learned from this period are not forgotten. D-Day teaches us the importance of unity, cooperation, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It also reminds us that freedom comes at a price and that we must never take it for granted.
We are honoured to be hosting a special event at Painters Forstal Community Hall to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. We will be filling the hall with music and food to celebrate before joining the rest of the country in playing the Last Post and lighting the Painters Forstal beacon at 9.15pm. The event starts at 6.30pm and Miss Holliday & The Swingtones will provide live music from 7pm. You can either bring your own picnic or enjoy the most British of meals, a fish and chip supper, for an extra £7. There will also be a licensed bar. Adult tickets are £10 and children under 16 are £5. You can book your tickets via our website, by visiting The Alma public house in Painters Forstal or by calling 07432 143663.
We hope you can join us.
