Marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings

On June 6, the United Kingdom will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings.

Also known as D-Day, the Allied Forces carried out a full-scale invasion of Nazi-occupied France.

This historic operation had a significant impact on the course of World War II in favor of the Allies.

The stunning operation by Allied forces involved the coordinated efforts of over 155,000 troops supported by 11,500 aircraft and 6,900 naval vessels in one assault.

The Mayor of Kirklees, Councilor Nosheen Dad, said:

“The 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings serves as a reminder that we must never forget those who fought and died to defend the freedoms and peace we and other countries have today.

“We owe endless gratitude to the brave men, many who were only young soldiers, who displayed incredible courage, resilience and comradeship on June 6, 1944.

“As time goes on, our veterans are becoming fewer, so we must ensure that their legacy and stories live on through remembering, commemorating and learning.

“Let us never forget their sacrifice and continue to honor their memory.”

Our town halls in Huddersfield, Dewsbury, Batley and Cleckheaton will be lit up to mark the occasion.

Cllr Cathy Scott, Leader of the Council and Senior Adviser on the Armed Forces Pact, said:

“The Normandy landings remain a significant moment in military history and the scale of the operation is still hard to believe.

“We owe it to the thousands of brave people who stormed the beaches. They risked and gave their lives for the liberation of occupied Europe and we must never forget what they did for us.

“It will be a proud moment for our country and our current armed forces who are involved in commemorations up and down the country that pay tribute to the heroes of D-Day.”

Headlight lighting

In commemoration of the D-Day landings, beacons are lit to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who fought.

The Mayor of Kirklees will attend the lighting of the Friends of Cliff Recreation Ground lighthouse.

The event starts at 8.45pm and, as across the UK, the Jubilee Beacon will be lit at 9.15pm.

Music will be provided by Hade Edge Band and refreshments by 1st Holme Valley Scouts. The tribute will be read by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire.

Emley Millenium Green organized ‘Picnic on the Green’ and the lighting of the lighthouses to mark the anniversary.

The event starts at 5pm and will run at 7.15pm and again around 9pm, before the Lighthouse Lighting Ceremony and the reading of the International Tribute.