Join Us for the D-Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration
The Parish Council is taking part in the 80th D-Day Celebrations this year by lighting a beacon at the Community Centre on the 6th of June.
Buckingham Palace has asked Waddesdon to join other towns and villages across the country in marking this significant anniversary by lighting a beacon at 9.15pm on 6th June. Please come and join us from 7pm at the Community Centre, Frederick Street.
This is a momentous occasion to remember the Allied forces’ bravery and sacrifice during the largest amphibious invasion the world has ever witnessed. In 1944, Operation Overlord saw over 5,000 ships and landing craft set down more than 130,000 troops on five Normandy beaches, initiating the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi occupation.
To honour their bravery and the peace and freedom we enjoy today, beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, and UK Overseas Territories.
The International 80th Anniversary D-Day Beacon will be lit in Normandy at 8.15pm (BST) at the British Normandy Memorial overlooking Gold Beach. Following this, beacons on Utah, Omaha, Juno, and Sword beaches will be lit at 8.30pm BST, with the Principal United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man Beacon being lit in Portsmouth, England at 9.15pm BST.
As the beacons are lit, communities in France and the UK are invited to pause and participate in “The International Tribute,” which will be read by the Chairman of the Parish Council along with members of the Waddesdon Girl Guides.
Community Centre Event:
- Time: From 7pm, 6th June
- Location: Community Centre, Frederick Street
- Activities:
- Don’t forget to grab a portion of fish and chips on the way to celebrate National Fish and Chip Day. Fish and chips were dubbed ‘Good Companions’ by Winston Churchill, who ensured they weren’t rationed during the war to maintain national morale.
- There will be music of the 40’s, speeches, light refreshments available from the Community Centre starting at 7pm.
- This is a family-friendly event, and we warmly invite you to join us for the evening.
Parking: Please note that parking is limited at the Community Centre. We recommend making arrangements to walk rather than drive.
We look forward to commemorating this important anniversary with you.
Methodist Hall Event:
In addition to the evening commemoration, the Methodist Hall in conjunction with St Michael and All Angels’ Church and Waddesdon Village Hall is hosting events on two days:
- Thursday, 6th June from 10:30am until 4:30pm
- Saturday, 8th June from 10:30am until 3:00pm
These events will include:
- An exhibition at the Methodist Chapel
- Interactive WWII exhibits
- Tea and coffee
- Teddy’s parachute landing fun
- A competition for children
We encourage everyone to visit and participate in these activities to gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of D-Day.
The Tribute
Let us remember those who gave their lives at
home and abroad during the D-Day landings,
whose sacrifice enables us all to enjoy the
peace and freedom we have today.
Let us remember those who came home
wounded, physically and mentally, and the
friends and family who cared for them.
Let us remember those who returned to restore
their relationships and rebuild their working
lives after years of conflict and turmoil.
Let us remember the families that lost husbands,
wives, sons, daughters and sweethearts.
Let us remember the servicemen and women
and merchant seafarers of all nationalities –
from all countries – who fought, suffered and
died during the D-Day landings and six years
of war.
Let us all remember those in the Royal Navy,
Army, Royal Air Force, Merchant Navy, and our
Allies – the brave people who kept us safe on
the home front and abroad and those in
reserved occupations during the difficult time of war.
Let us remember the brave doctors and nurses who
cared for the wounded, the men and women who
toiled in the fields, the coal mines, the factories
and the air raid wardens, police officers, firemen,
ambulance drivers and the young people of the Scouts
and Guides who all played such a vital role in the war.