War veterans attend D-Day Remembrance Service in Norwich
War veterans in their late 80s and early 90s braved the rain today to remember those fallen friends and colleagues who never came back on the 67th anniversary of D-Day during an emotional service in Norwich.
Every year there are fewer of them but those left are determined to carry on by honouring and remembering fallen heroes.
Remaining members of the Norwich Normandy Veterans Association, accompanied by family and friends, stood proudly in front of Norwich's new-look war memorial for the Service of Remembrance.
The service was conducted by the Rev Canon Peter Nokes of St Peter Mancroft Church. He said: 'Today marks the 67th anniversary of the beginning of the end of the second world war, one of the most audacious operations in military history.
'The date of June 6 1944 will be forever burned into the souls of the proud soldiers who risked life and limb in pursuit of liberty for Europe.
'156,000 British, American and Canadian troops landed or were parachuted onto French soil at the start of the D-Day operation.
'Today, we remember them with gratitude as we pray for the fallen.'
Most Read
- 1 5 new shop openings in Norwich to look forward to
- 2 Police called after sudden death at home near Norwich
- 3 Landlady 'hard at work' as city pub prepares for July reopening
- 4 Blanket ban: Standing room only for Simply Red fans
- 5 Peter Crouch speaks on bid to track down his 'Norfolk husband'
- 6 See inside 'stunning' flat overlooking Norwich Market
- 7 Mother heartbroken to find her child's grave in "unacceptable state"
- 8 Family sue Wetherspoon after man falls to death in city pub
- 9 Can you spot yourself at the Simply Red gig at Earlham Park?
- 10 All you need to know ahead of the Earlham Park summer gigs
After prayers several wreaths were laid at the base of the memorial including one by Lord Mayor Jenny Lay and the city's sheriff Chris Higgins.
Just before 11am a two minute silence was observed by the veterans, their families and members of the public who had come to remember those who gave their lives on this significant day.
People had been urged to attend the service by Jack Woods, branch secretary of the Normandy Veterans Association, who is one of a number of veterans who have returned to France to commemorate the anniversary.
Mr Woods said: 'The Battle of Normandy was an important event in the annals of history. It should be held annually. Your support will help to make it so.'
For full story and pictures see tomorrow's Evening News or log onto www.eveningnews24.co.uk
