D-Day80: Commemorating the heroes of the Battle of Normandy
“The 80th Anniversary of D-Day is a chance to remember the sacrifices of so many, who fought and gave their lives for others. The scale was huge – 150,000 troops, 7,000 ships - but it is the individual who matters. Each Service person had a story – and there are so few now to tell it. We should never underestimate their sacrifice. Was it worth it? As a beneficiary of Europe’s longest period of peace, their lives secured ours. The least they deserve is recognition.”
Soldiering On Awards joins the nation in commemorating the D-Day landings of 6 June 1944, the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with the associated airborne operations, the landings were a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of the end of World War II and the restoration of peace in Europe.
The Commemoration Events
On 5 June, Portsmouth will host the national event, featuring royal family members, military musicians, and a flypast by the Red Arrows. XFE CEO and Founder Lt Col Ren Kapur MBE will be present, accompanied by Douglas Thomson, XFE’s Learning, Development and Community Events Manager, a British Army veteran himself. The BBC will broadcast this event live from Southsea Common.
The following day, 6 June, marks the exact date of the anniversary. The UK’s national commemorative event will take place at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, France, honouring those who fought and fell for our freedom. A number of Second World War veterans have travelled from the UK to be present.
"Remembering those whose lives were lost or changed through conflict is extremely important to Soldiering On Awards and X-Forces Enterprise, as it is to the community we serve. As we pay homage to the bravery and sacrifice of the D-Day heroes, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the values they fought for: freedom, peace, and the recognition of every individual’s story.”
Find out more about the D-Day 80 events taking place around the UK and read the incredible stories of D-Day veterans here: dday80.campaign.gov.uk
