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04/06/2004
Royals join veterans for D-Day commemorations
Members of the Royal Family will join veterans in commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Normandy Landings during the weekend June 5-6.
The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal family will attend official events. The Prime Minister Tony Blair will also join veterans for the event.
The invasion of Normandy in June 1944 – known as Operation Overlord – gained the Allies a foothold in northern Europe which saw the gradual retreat of Axis troops from France. After fierce fighting, the French capital was liberated on August 25. The German army finally capitulated within a year of the D-Day landings.
Around 10,000 veterans are expected to attend events in France, which could well be the last commemoration on such a scale.
Despite the presence of around 250 Scots veterans, the Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell had originally said that he would not be attending – opting instead to attend a gala bash celebrating the 250th anniversary of St Andrews golf club.
However, he changed his plans after he was widely criticised in the media and by veterans groups.
Mr McConnell, a golfing enthusiast, said that "it was only right" that he represent his country. The Scottish contingent, which made up a quarter of the force that stormed the beaches, was going to be headed by Finance Minister Andy Kerr before the first minister changed his mind.
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will represent his nation, the first time an official German representative has been invited.
Veterans will receive a new badge as part of the continuing commemoration of 60th anniversaries associated with the Second World War. It is designed to help the public recognise veterans and the contribution they made.
Former Defence Secretary Lord Healey, who served as a Beach Master during the Anzio landings in Italy in 1944, received the first badge on 10 May.
(gmcg)
The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal family will attend official events. The Prime Minister Tony Blair will also join veterans for the event.
The invasion of Normandy in June 1944 – known as Operation Overlord – gained the Allies a foothold in northern Europe which saw the gradual retreat of Axis troops from France. After fierce fighting, the French capital was liberated on August 25. The German army finally capitulated within a year of the D-Day landings.
Around 10,000 veterans are expected to attend events in France, which could well be the last commemoration on such a scale.
Despite the presence of around 250 Scots veterans, the Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell had originally said that he would not be attending – opting instead to attend a gala bash celebrating the 250th anniversary of St Andrews golf club.
However, he changed his plans after he was widely criticised in the media and by veterans groups.
Mr McConnell, a golfing enthusiast, said that "it was only right" that he represent his country. The Scottish contingent, which made up a quarter of the force that stormed the beaches, was going to be headed by Finance Minister Andy Kerr before the first minister changed his mind.
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will represent his nation, the first time an official German representative has been invited.
Veterans will receive a new badge as part of the continuing commemoration of 60th anniversaries associated with the Second World War. It is designed to help the public recognise veterans and the contribution they made.
Former Defence Secretary Lord Healey, who served as a Beach Master during the Anzio landings in Italy in 1944, received the first badge on 10 May.
(gmcg)
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Prince Charles pays tribute to Scottish D-Day veterans
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03 February 2014
Queen To Make State Visit For The Anniversary Of D-Day Landings
The Queen has been invited to visit France by President Francois Hollande to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, according to Buckingham Palace. The royal trip will happen on a three-day state visit, which will be from 5 to 7 June. The Queen will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.
Queen To Make State Visit For The Anniversary Of D-Day Landings
The Queen has been invited to visit France by President Francois Hollande to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, according to Buckingham Palace. The royal trip will happen on a three-day state visit, which will be from 5 to 7 June. The Queen will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.
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