The Ministry of Defence will work with veterans’ charities and
memorials to host major commemorations on the 80th anniversary of
the Normandy Landings next year.
Veterans of the Normandy campaign will be at the heart of
official events on the 80th anniversary of D-Day: 6 June 2024.
They are invited to register
with the Royal British Legion to express their interest in
attending the commemorations.
The commemorative events will allow communities to come together
to pay respect to those who died during the Normandy Landings and
remember the sacrifices of those who took part in the operation.
On D-Day, 6 June 1944, the United Kingdom, the United States and
their allies launched a combined naval, air and land assault on
Nazi-occupied France.
By the end of the day the allies had established a foothold along
the French coast to begin their costly advance to liberate
northwest Europe, finally achieving victory over the Nazis a year
later.
For the first time, the British Normandy
Memorial at Ver-sur-Mer, Normandy, will host commemorations
for a major anniversary of D-Day.
The memorial was part-funded by the UK Government and was
inaugurated by President Macron of France and Prime Minister
during commemorations for the
75th anniversary of D-Day in 2019.
Events will also take place at the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery in Normandy, the final resting
place of 4,144 members of British and Commonwealth service
personnel who died during the Normandy Landings.
The Ministry of Defence will also support the traditional
anniversary service at Bayeux Cathedral.
Members of the Armed Forces will lead the commemorations in June
2024 as veterans and special guests meet to remember those who
gave their lives for the liberation of Europe during the Second
World War.
The events will bring the UK and its allies together to remember
our shared history as we recommit to working together to protect
peace and security today.
Members of the public will be included in a campaign of events,
tributes and broadcasts to ensure the whole country can pay
respect to the fallen of D-Day.
More information about the commemorations will be announced next
year.
