Bristol: Pillar of D-Day commemoration unveiled in Castle Park

A new memorial marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day has been unveiled in a city center park.

Relatives of veterans gathered in Castle Park, Bristol, on Friday morning to watch the memorial pole being installed.

Paul Turner, chairman of Bristol Normandy Veterans, said: “Everyone is so impressed by this and it’s something for the city of Bristol to be proud of.”

The group spent months raising funds for the memorial, which is designed to honor veterans who returned home from Normandy and died later in life.

“I’m in awe – it’s come together exactly as I hoped and prayed and today went extremely well,” added Mr Turner.

“This represents the men who returned from Normandy who never forgot the comrades they lost and we shouldn’t,” he added.

“This is for our people in Bristol who came back and survived but always lived with the horrors of that war.”

Philip Rowe, whose father William Rowe is represented on the pillar, said it was “very touching” to be remembered.

As part of the navy, his father landed Canadian troops on Juno Beach.

“He always said he was so thankful he wasn’t in the troops, he literally saw blood in the water,” Mr Rowe said.

“I think he’s seen some terrible things, so it’s so moving to see it here and remember him, but especially the ones who actually ran onto the beaches and didn’t survive.”

Ann and Rita Wheeler, whose father Ray Wheeler also served on D-Day, attended the pole unveiling.

The sisters didn’t know much about their father’s experiences as an engineer in the Royal Air Force until they traveled with him to Normandy.

“We’re very, very proud of all these veterans, very proud, it’s very emotional,” Rita said.

“When this is officially opened, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, will come to honor their grandfather.”

“I just wish he was here to see it because he would be over the moon.

“He lived for his veterans, he just loved them, and that’s why we keep going.

“We promised Dad when he died that we would continue with the veterans, so this is really our legacy for him.”

In two weeks, the families plan to hold a ceremony to remember the fallen veterans and also plan to add more plaques to the memorial.