First Minister will represent the people of
Scotland at national commemorations honouring the 80th
Anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Today (Wednesday 5 June) he will attend the main UK ceremony in
Portsmouth, to celebrate the work of UK and other forces at the
port city from which the Allies left for the beaches of Normandy.
Tomorrow (Thursday 6 June) he will attend the first ever National
Commemoration ceremony to be held at the British War Memorial in
Ver-sur-Mer, France, to pay tribute to all who served in the
Normandy Campaign.
In Scotland, a National D-Day 80 Commemoration Concert is being
held in Edinburgh, supported by the Scottish Government. Minister
for Veterans will be in attendance.
The First Minister said:
“Scotland owes a great debt of gratitude to all those who served
during the Second World War, especially to those who made the
ultimate sacrifice.
“Were it not for the actions of these brave men and women 80
years ago, we would not enjoy the freedoms which we now take for
granted.
“It is important that current and future generations continue to
learn of the events that took place in Normandy so that we ensure
such a conflict is never repeated.
“The Scottish Government is wholehearted in our commitment to
supporting our Armed Forces, veterans and their families in
Scotland.
“We will never forget those who have, and continue to, lay down
their lives in the service of their country.”
Background
Scotland's Salute to D-Day
80 takes place at the Usher Hall on 6 June. The Scottish
Government provided £22,000 funding towards the concert.
Find out more about events to commemorate the
80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings.
