Commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings

In Cheltenham, The Royal British Legion (RBL), Gloucestershire branch are holding a service at the war memorial on the Long Gardens, Promenade from 10.45am which is open to all.

The D-Day landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with the associated airborne operations, it marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe.

Led by Major Katy Guest RBL chair, and Army chaplain Reverend Graham Bowkett, with Cheltenham’s mayor, Cllr Paul Baker, also in attendance to lay a wreath on behalf of the town's citizens.

They will be joined by local standards, local national and international serving personnel and families of D-Day veterans, with other serving personnel, local veterans, and borough councillors at the memorial to pay tribute to those who gave their service and their lives.

Wing Commander Roy Roberts, chair of the RBL Cheltenham branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “As custodians of Remembrance, we are honoured once again to join with the mayor and the town's citizens and especially the veterans families and our local serving military and other veterans, to reflect on and remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before us and to think of those who are keeping us safe in today's challenging times.

“It’s clearly still so important to very many of us, young and old, both nationally and here in Cheltenham. Lest We Forget."

Cllr Paul Baker, Cheltenham mayor, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be involved in this commemoration in remembrance of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the freedoms we enjoy, and in recognition of the dedication and commitment of all service personnel, past and present, who have served our country.

“I would invite any members of the public who may like to mark this act of remembrance to join the service on Thursday and observe the two-minute silence at 11am.”

The event will include a procession, prayers and wreath-laying. 

For media enquiries contact: communications, telephone 01242 264231 or email: [email protected].

For event enquiries contact: Jennie Ingram, personal assistant to the mayor, telephone 01242 264108, email [email protected].