D-Day 70th Anniversary

On June 6 1944, British , American  and Canadian forces landed on the shores of France that was Nazi occupied. The Allies invaded Normandy, France commanded by Eisenhower in a surprise sea and air assalt. The invasion included over 5000 ships,11,000 airplanes and over 150,000 service men,and took place called Normandy Beach, which is located on the northwest coast of France. By late August 1944, the Allies had defeated Germany. The Normandy landings have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe. This invasion , known as D day, is the largest amgibious military operation in history.

This year was the 70th anniversary of the D day invasion, and it was especially centred around the date of Normany Landing which is 6th of June. To mark this historic event, a series of different major commemorations was planned. The events took  place in United Kingdom, and at other various locations along the Normandy Coast in France. The Ministry of Defence has worked closely with  the goverment and  the agencies to create a fitting remembrance. This was a  very special anniversary,not only because it is 70 years since invasion took place in Normandy, but also because it was probably the last time the remaining veterans are still alive.

The day began with a Royal British Legion service of remembrance at Bayeux Cathedral. During the service His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales took part in the inauguration of a new bell for the cathedral. The Thérèse-Bénédicte bell was created for the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings and symbolises peace, liberty and reconciliation.

650 veterans were marked at the anniversary in Normandy,France, and 1,7000 personnell from the British army and the royal air force participated. Mr James Aitken which is an 89-year-old vetaran from the D day invasion held a speach.