Lighting the darkness for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day
On Thursday 6 June 2024 we’ll be commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a military operation that brought about the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi occupation and changed the course of the Second World War.
D-Day refers to the first day of the invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe by Allied forces, when troops from the UK, the US, Canada, and France attacked German forces on 6 June 1944.
It was the largest military naval, air and land operation ever attempted, seeing over 5,000 ships and landing craft set down more than 130,000 troops on five separate beaches in Normandy.
We’ll be joining communities around the world in paying homage to all those brave men and women whose courage and sacrifice helped secure the peace and freedom we enjoy today.
Marking the occasion
8.45pm, Thursday 6 June, Hove Beacon, Kingsway, Hove, BN3 4LX
Cadets from across the city will be marking this occasion by forming a parade along the seafront, leading up to the Hove Beacon.
The parade will coincide with the beacon lighting ceremonies taking place across the nation in celebration of the ‘light of peace’ that emerged out of the darkness of war.
Joining the ceremony will be the mayor, councillors, members of the Royal Sussex Regiment Veterans Association and veterans from the newly formed Brighton & Hove Veterans group.
Never forgotten
Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “It’s an honour to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a supreme feat of strategy, skills, unity and courage which shaped the world as we know it today, and pay tribute to all those who lost their lives and whose lives have been irrevocably changed.
“80 years on, we must make sure that the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of these men and women are never forgotten and that their hope for better world and yearning for freedom, peace and human rights continue to shine within future generations.
“I invite everyone to come mark this occasion with our cadets and learn of the wonderful opportunities cadets provide for our young people to engage, thrive and grow.”
