This week sees the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
D-Day – 6 June 1944 – was the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare. The statistics of D-Day, codenamed Operation Overlord, are staggering. The Allies used over 5,000 ships and landing craft to land more than 150,000 troops on five beaches in Normandy. The landings marked the start of a long military campaign in north-west Europe, which ultimately convinced the German high command that defeat was inevitable.
It represented a turning point in the Second World War. The freedom we enjoy today was built on the and the courage and sacrifice of those who fought to defend Britain. Dartford will never forget them.
Dartford Borough Council, supported by its event partner Cohesion Plus, is planning a number of events in the town to commemorate this most important of anniversaries.
The first event takes place on Thursday 6th June, the precise anniversary of D-Day.
From 10.45amm The Worshipful Mayor of Dartford will attend a simple act of commemoration at the War Memorial, Central Park and lay a wreath to honour all the fallen of war, but especially those who gave their lives in the D-Day operation and the weeks of heavy fighting that followed.
The Mayor will join representatives, veterans and families with special cause to remember D-Day in observing a minute’s silence at 11am.
If you wish to attend this simple, but touching tribute to recognise those who gave so much in defence of our country you would be most welcome. Please gather from 10.45.am.
We will remember them.
Look out on Dartford Together for more information about D-Day commemorations, including a morning of wartime memories at One Bell Corner, Town Centre on Saturday 8th June from 10am and a range of other commemoration events across the Borough.