D-Day 80th Anniversary event poignant and uplifting:
The D-Day 80th Anniversary event in Hedon on June 6th was both a poignant and uplifting event conveyed here in photos. The event started at 8 am with the 677th Mayor of Hedon Councillor Colin Billany making the official proclamation of the D-Day anniversary events – an action reflected across the country with civic representatives making the same formal statement.
We should all remember and never forget the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved and use this Commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today.
Extract fron the D-Day 80 proclamation
The D-Day 80 proclamation – the full words.
Oyez, Oyez, Oyez
Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics uniting brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces at the beginning of Operation Overlord.
By the day’s end, over one hundred and fifty thousand Allied troops had successfully stormed the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches to achieve a toehold in France.
In the weeks that followed, the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe from the unforgiving countryside of Normandy to the liberation of Paris two months later.
We should all remember and never forget the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved and use this Commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today.
God Save the King.
The evening activities were organised by Hedon Town Council taking place at Market Hill. It got underway at 7 pm. There was a lively audience all night, with many dressed in 1940s costumes. It included performances by the City of Hull Pipe Band, The Larks singing duo and the Band of the Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force. The entertainment was fit for purpose and exceptional, but special mention must be given to the ACF band for their drum-playing demonstration, it was a brilliant feat of coordinated movement and drumming. Not noticed by many in the audience were the led drum lights built into the drums – these would have looked spectacular if played after sundown.
The lighting of the Hedon Beacon was preceded by an International Tribute given by Councillor John Dennis and an address from Stephen Larrard MBE Deputy Lieutenant for the East Riding of Yorkshire Lieutenancy representing the King. A lone piper played The Flowers of the Forest as the Mayor and Deputy Lieutenant lit the Hedon Beacon at precisely 9.15 p.m. The lighting took place in unison with other beacons being lit across the Commonwealth.
Gallery:
The Address by Stephen Larrard MBE DL representing the King:
Keep checking back – we will add other photos and videos too. You can send yours as well, to rayduffill@hedonblog.co.uk and we’ll include them in the Gallery.