D-Day 78th Anniversary Ceremonies


By Private Lucy Law


AGC (SPS) personnel supported the Royal British Legion’s remembrance ceremonies in Normandy, France for the 78th anniversary of the D-Day landings.


Volunteers Major Terence Twining; Staff Sergeant Leon Downer; Staff Sergeant Colin Kissoon; Sergeant Theodore Quist-Narteh; and Private Lucy Law all volunteered to help support the Royal British Legion on their commemorative events to mark the 78th Anniversary of D-Day in Bayeux, France.


Bayeux Cathedral


On Sunday 5 June 2022 at 1800, the volunteers supported the Royal British Legion with their annual Service of Remembrance at the Bayeux Cathedral. All volunteers took part in handing out leaflets to guests and public, seating VIPs and welcoming Veterans to the service. The service was followed by a Vin D’Honneur (wine formally offered in honour of a special guest) for Veterans and all invited guests which was hosted by the Mayor of Bayeux.


British Normandy Memorial The British Normandy Memorial was opened in 2021 and records the names of 22,442 servicemen and women who fell on D-Day and during the Battle of Normandy in 1944. On Monday 6 June at 0945, an Act of Remembrance was held at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer on Gold Beach. The Act of Remembrance included volunteers helping the Royal British Legion by presenting wreaths to the British Ambassador to France; the Defence Attaché Paris; VIPs; helping Veterans lay their wreaths and support the running of the morning.


Bayeux War Cemetery The Bayeux War Cemetery is the largest Second World War cemetery of Commonwealth soldiers in France. The cemetery contains 4,648 burials, mostly of the Invasion of Normandy. On Monday 6 June at 1130, an annual Service of Remembrance


Bayeux-cathedral.


ran by the Royal British Legion took place. There was a marquee with refreshments and light lunch for all Veterans, VIPs, and the volunteers to enjoy after the service. The Act of Remembrance included the volunteers performing drill to the highest standard and presenting VIPs and Veterans with their wreaths to lay.


‘The few days supporting the Royal British Legion’s D-Day Commemorations, organised by Major Terence Twining, was a truly remarkable experience. To be a part of such historical and emotional ceremonies, is a memory that will truly last forever. Meeting Veterans who 78 years ago, landed on the same beach which we were standing, ready to give their lives. Is something that cannot be described and can only be experienced.’


Memorial.


Cemetery.


American-attache. AGC JOURNAL 2022 101


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