Save the Date! New Romney Commemorates D-Day 80
Published: 09 April 2024
New Romney Commemorates D-Day 80
New Romney Town Council are hosting a series of special Community events, to commemorate 80 years since the D-Day landings. On Thursday, 6th June all around the world people will be remembering the largest sea, land and air operation in history, which took place just over the water from our own coastline.
The 6th June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when Allied forces mounted the largest amphibious invasion the world has ever witnessed. In 1944 Operation Overlord saw around 4,000 ships and landing craft set down about 132,500 troops on five Normandy beaches in an action that would bring about the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi occupation.
The bravery and sacrifice of those people in securing the peace and freedom we enjoy today will be observed by the lighting of beacons around the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.
In New Romney, the day will commence with a Proclamation read by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of New Romney, Cllr John Rivers, in the Garden of Remembrance, at 8am.
At 11am local schoolchildren will join together to read a specially written poem for schools – “D-Day Heroes”, by Roy Palmer, a Chelsea Pensioner and Herald – an event which is being repeated throughout the country.
The Mayor will then be hosting a Fish and Chip lunch for invited guests, to raise money for armed forces charities.
From 7.30pm locals will be able to see a living history display of WWII reenactors and period military vehicles on The Greens, Littlestone. The Royal Naval Beachhead Commandos Reenactors will have a display of period items and dress, set out as a realistic wartime situation, and members will be present to demonstrate items, talk about the role played by the units in D-Day and WWII and to answer questions.
Members of the East Kent Piping Society will perform on The Greens before the main Commemoration Ceremony comprising of music and words - music provided by Hythe Town Concert Band, and words spoken by members of local uniformed services - commences at around 8.40pm. This will culminate in the Beacon Lighting at 9.15pm.
It is hoped that local people will take this opportunity to join together in this day of remembrance and thanksgiving for this momentous day in history.
