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The Queen Honours Veterans For Their Role In The D-Day Landings

The Queen Honours Veterans For Their Role In The D-Day Landings

This week marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, and Wednesday was an emotional day of tributes...

Ciara Sheppard

Ciara Sheppard

The Queen has honoured the brave war veterans who fought on D-Day, on the 75th anniversary of the largest land air and naval operation in history.

Her Majesty was joined by 16 world leaders, including US president Donald Trump, of the nations in the Allied Forces during world War II, in Portsmouth to mark the important anniversary on Wednesday.

"75 years ago hundred of thousands of young soldiers sailors and airman left these shore in the cause of freedom," the Queen said in speech.

"In a broadcast to the nation at that time, my father, King George VI, said 'What is demanded from us all is something more than courage and endurance; we need a revival of spirit, a new unconquerable resolve.'

PA

"That is exactly what those brave men brought to the battle, as the fate of the world depended on their success.

"Many of them would never return and the heroism, courage and sacrifice of those who lost their lives will never be forgotten.

"It is with humility and pleasure, on behalf of the entire country - indeed the whole free world - that I say to you all, thank you."

PA

The celebrations also included a flypast by the Red Arrows RAF aerobatic team, and a parachute jump by war veterans 95-year-old Harry Read and 94-year-old John Hutton who landed in Normandy as they did 75 years ago.

PA

Speeches were read by world leaders and readings of the diaries and letters of the people who fought in the war, including a reading by Theresa May.

There was also an hour-long production telling the story of the invasion, and a statement by the 16 nations involved for there to never be a repeat of the conflict.

PA

The D-Day landing, which took place on Tuesday, 6 June 1944, remain the largest land, air and naval operation in history. Although thousands lost their lives, the day kickstarted the liberation of German-occupied France, and laid the foundations for what was to become the Allied victory of World War II.


Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Life News, Life, Queen