D-Day 80: The celebration at Bodmin Beacon provides a perfect end to the commemoration of a perfect day

It was the perfect end to a perfect day commemorating the war heroes of June 6, 1944.

A public event at the iconic Bodmin Beacon Nature Reserve was the venue for the final part of a day-long series of highlights to mark the momentous occasion.

This was followed by a morning proclamation from the town crier and a moving memorial service held by the Royal British Legion and attended by veterans at Bodmin Keep, the historic headquarters of Bodmin Barracks.

Individuals, families and groups gathered near the 144ft obelisk, which forms the focal point of the nature reserve, where they enjoyed music from Bodmin Town Band, warming up on a slightly chilly evening before the main event.

Regular visitors to the Beacon were greeted with the somewhat unusual sight of Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service engines parked nearby, with an added curiosity in the form of an offer of fish and chips available for purchase.

At 9.15pm sharp, the flame was lit on the beacon, part of the 80 beacon scheme which aimed to share a light across the land to mark the 80th anniversary of the occasion.

After speeches from Terry Williams, town crier, and Bodmin Mayor Councilor Liz Ahearn, the obelisk was illuminated by the Bodmin Council team, with the monument visible from miles around in a range of alternative colors which included red, white and blue.

An encore was provided by the Bodmin Town Band, entertaining visitors before they left as dusk turned to darkness.

A Bodmin Bodmin Council spokesman said: “Last night we were honored to take part in a lighthouse to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“We remembered the courage and sacrifice of so many who fought on the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago.

“It would not have been possible for us to come together and remember without the support of the Bodmin Branch. Royal British Legion, Bodmin Air Cadets, Lions Club of Bodmin, Bodmin Rotary, Bodmin Town Band, East Cornwall Search & Rescue Team and Bodmin Community Fire Station. Thank you!” Councilor Liz Ahearn, Mayor of Bodmin said: “It was a real honor to be able to play a part in an exceptionally well organized day of events to mark the 80th anniversary of such an important day in our history, D. -Zi.

Councilor Liz Ahearn, Mayor of Bodmin said: “It was a real honor to have been able to play a part in an exceptionally well organized day of events to mark the 80th anniversary of such an important day in our history, D-Day. “It was a delight to see the people of Bodmin join us at the most outstanding location for the occasion, the Bodmin Beacon, to light the flame and then end the night with the illuminated monument as the sky went from light to dark.

“I would like to thank all the staff at Bodmin Town Council, the Royal British Legion, in particular the Bodmin branch and its chairman, Derek Coad, Bodmin Town Band and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service for their involvement, as well as all individuals and the groups that participated throughout the day. It was a proud day for Bodmin and it was an honor to join the celebrations as Mayor of this proud town.”