D-Day 80: At the ending of the light, we remembered them

It was the day the tide began to turn on mainland Europe. 

By the end of June 6, 1944, some 156,000 Allied troops had crossed the English Channel and had set foot on the beaches of Normandy.

It was the biggest amphibious operation in the history of the world, and the beginning of the end of World War Two.

And at the beginning of last Thursday, and at the ending of the light: we remembered them.

A proclamation written by Haslemere’s town crier, Christian Ashdown, was delivered at the top of its High Street by its author and repeated around the UK at 8am. 

It was heard loud and clear on Castle Street in Farnham, in The Square in Petersfield, at the Forest Centre in Bordon, and on Alton High Street.

While some communities confined their events to the morning – Petersfield’s consisted of a parade and service – some held events in the evening to coincide with a nationwide beacon lighting at 9.15pm.

Wartime tunes and vintage radio recordings were aired at Gostrey Meadow while around 400 villagers of all ages joined a superb commemorative event in Liphook which included a tree planting, poetry and renditions of 1940s songs by Stephanie Belle.

Whitehill & Bordon really went to town with a host of commemorative events from over four days. 

A superb exhibition, featuring historical photos, memorabilia and some amazing AI-colourised pictures of the landings was held at Whitehill Village Hall. 

The town park also hosted a military-themed event on Saturday afternoon with live music, stalls and an “immersive interactive D-Day experience” that incorporated silent disco technology.

But the greatest thing about the events is that they took place at all. Because without the efforts of those who stormed the beaches 80 years ago, we may not be enjoying the freedom we experience today.