From June 3rd to June 8th, 2024 I had the great pleasure of being back in Normandy for the 80th Annivesary of D-Day. Exactly 20 years after I first travelled there. It was that 1st journey back in 2004 that inspired me to write Jake’s Gift. Once again I had the pleasure of meeting WW2 veterans face to face and having the chance to thank them for their service meant the world to me and to my cousin, Rachel Mackey, who was on the journey with me.
The 80th Anniversary of D-Day was a very moving experience, and there seemed to be a lot more people there than in the previous years we’ve been fortunate enough to return; 2014, 2017 and 2019 for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day. We wondered if more people attended as it really was possibly the last time we will see World War Two veterans at the big anniversary ceremonies. Although, as the youngest WW2 veteran is currently thought to be around 96 or 97 years old - having joined up under age - then perhaps it is still possible there will be some attending the 85th Anniversary in 2029. We can only hope. The veterans we met this time around ranged in age from 98 to 105 so it’s not impossible!
I want to give a big thank you to all the veterans we met in Normandy and their families. It was such a joy to meet them face to face, and they gave their time so freely to the many people who wanted the chance to shake their hands and thank them in person.
I’d also like to thank Veterans Affairs Canada, the Juno Beach Centre and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, for all the work they did to make the ceremonies so memorable. And of course the people of Normandy and all the Mayors of small towns across the region who worked tirelessly to make this 80th Anniversary so special. Their hard work paid off, and I think the Veterans and their families and everyone visiting were very moved by the amount of work and the massive welcome everyone received.
I will post more photos in the days to come. Here are a few to get things going.
#LestWeForget
Welcome Banner to Veterans on the Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Caen.
Part of the D-Day Memorial at Sword Beach.
The Memorial to the Canadian Soldiers murdered by the SS in 1944 @ Abbey Ardennes.
British War Memorial Installation at Ver-sur-Mer - It truly takes your breath away. 1400 silhouettes.
The graves all lit up at the same time on June 5, 2024 at the Bény Sur Mer Canadian Cemetery.