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Eastbourne Military Heroes in Preparation for D-Day Anniversary Eastbourne D-Day veterans are putting their military training into action, as preparations for the 60th anniversary of this historic landmark event get underway. Sunday 20th June will see over 250 veterans, along with friends and relatives, paying tribute at Eastbourne�s Bandstand to all those who fought took part in the D-Day landings many years ago. Various armed forces groups have joined together with organiser Eastbourne Borough Council to commemorate the many brave men from Eastbourne who played their part in the greatest sea borne invasion in history. Organisers include the Normandy Veterans Association, Royal British Legion, Eastbourne Royal Sussex and Queen�s Association and Eastbourne Combined Ex Services Association. Starting at 11am, local cadet groups will pay tribute with a display of skills and drills, and local religious leaders will lead the congregation in a service of commemoration, including a two minute silence and reveille. Eastbourne Silver Band will accompany the service and then follow with traditional military music and wartime favourites. The Redoubt Fortress Museum which houses the Military Museum of Sussex will be open all day free of charge for people to find out more about military history. Civic dignitaries will also attend the Bandstand and pay tribute including the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Bishop Wallace Benn and the Mayor of Eastbourne. The Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Olive Woodall said �D Day was a day of hope to occupied Europe and for us. It was the signal for the end of the conflict that dominated our lives for so long. Many lives were lost and much suffering endured by our servicemen, women and civilians before the end of the war but D Day was the turning point and should never be forgotten.� D-Day commemorations are being held around the UK during June and July, with many veterans returning to the Normandy Beaches on 6th June, the day which marks the first day of the Battle of Normandy which ended on 21st August 1944. Eastbourne�s D-Day commemoration beings at 11am on Sunday 20th June at Eastbourne Bandstand. For more information telephone 01323 415442 or visit www.eastbourne.org/events. |
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