Veterans and serving Armed Forces personnel gathered at the Normandy Memorial Wall in Portsmouth today to mark 100 days to go until the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
To begin the countdown to D-Day 80, the names of 13 veterans from 12 allied countries were added to the Normandy Memorial Wall, in recognition of the UK’s enduring international relationships which were forged during the Second World War.
3 of the veterans added to the memorial this morning had served in the RAF. This included Kaj Birksted from Denmark, who served in 11 Group Royal Air Force during the invasion of Normandy. He was responsible for leading and directing the fighter pilots protecting the landing beaches from the air. He continued in this role throughout the liberation of Normandy and for the remainder of the war.
Portsmouth will also play host to a national commemorative event for the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 5th, 2024, that will be broadcast live in the UK and around the world.
The personal stories and reflections of surviving D-Day veterans will be at the heart of the event, which will also feature military musicians, a Royal Air Force flypast and moving tributes from special guests.
The UK Armed Forces will also take part in ceremonies in Normandy on 5-6 June. The Ministry of Defence has launched a D-Day 80 website on GOV.UK so members of the public can find out more about the official commemorations and sign up for information on how to register to attend: https://dday80.campaign.gov.uk/.
This may be the last time veterans are able to gather in significant numbers, as they are all now over 90 years old. The commemorations will bring Armed Forces personnel past and present together to remember the legacy of D-Day and the importance of our continued fight for freedom and peace.
“We must never forget the sacrifices made on D-Day and the selfless courage of the veterans of Normandy. It’s hard to imagine a more noble act than risking your life to defeat tyranny and oppression. I’m proud that the Armed Forces will lead the nation in tributes to the heroes of Normandy in Portsmouth in June."
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said, “The 80th anniversary of D-Day will remind us that we can never take peace for granted. With war raging in Europe once again, we must recommit to protect and defend Britain’s peace and freedom with our allies around the world. The alliances we forged on 6 June 1944 are still vital to the UK’s security today.”
Normandy veterans, family members and their descendants are also invited to register to attend the RBL commemorative events at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery on 5 June and at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire on 6 June.
Full details of these events and how to register can be found at: rbl.org.uk/dday80.
