Menu
05/06/2009
British D-Day Veterans To Receive Top French Honour
Ten British World War Two veterans are to be honoured by the French government today for their role in liberating France in 1944.
The nine men and one woman, who all took part in the D-Day landings, will receive the Legion d'Honneur in ceremonies this weekend, marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day.
The award is the highest decoration in France, awarded for military conduct. Among those who will receive the honour today are several men who were among the first to land on the Normandy beaches on the morning of June 6 1944. A female nurse who attended to the many wounded on Gold beach will also take part in the tribute.
Prince Charles and Gordon Brown will attend a commemoration ceremony alongside the French and US presidents.
"We are extremely delighted that the French authorities have honoured these brave men and women," Peter Hodge, Honorary General Secretary of the Normandy Veterans Association, said.
"Sixty-five years ago, they risked their lives in one of the biggest military operations ever undertaken. Since then, they have all worked tirelessly with the Normandy Veterans Association to ensure that the events of June 6th 1944 are never forgotten."
Veterans Minister Kevan Jones, who will also be at the ceremony at Les Invalides in Paris, said: "We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women of the Armed Forces who, sixty-five years ago, risked their lives for freedom. I am immensely proud that these British veterans are today being decorated with such an honour, in recognition of their great courage and bravery."
Another veteran, who landed on Juno beach on D-Day, will receive the
higher rank of Officer of the Legion d'Honneur from President Sarkozy at a ceremony at Colleville-sur-Mer tomorrow.
(JM/KMcA)
The nine men and one woman, who all took part in the D-Day landings, will receive the Legion d'Honneur in ceremonies this weekend, marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day.
The award is the highest decoration in France, awarded for military conduct. Among those who will receive the honour today are several men who were among the first to land on the Normandy beaches on the morning of June 6 1944. A female nurse who attended to the many wounded on Gold beach will also take part in the tribute.
Prince Charles and Gordon Brown will attend a commemoration ceremony alongside the French and US presidents.
"We are extremely delighted that the French authorities have honoured these brave men and women," Peter Hodge, Honorary General Secretary of the Normandy Veterans Association, said.
"Sixty-five years ago, they risked their lives in one of the biggest military operations ever undertaken. Since then, they have all worked tirelessly with the Normandy Veterans Association to ensure that the events of June 6th 1944 are never forgotten."
Veterans Minister Kevan Jones, who will also be at the ceremony at Les Invalides in Paris, said: "We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men and women of the Armed Forces who, sixty-five years ago, risked their lives for freedom. I am immensely proud that these British veterans are today being decorated with such an honour, in recognition of their great courage and bravery."
Another veteran, who landed on Juno beach on D-Day, will receive the
higher rank of Officer of the Legion d'Honneur from President Sarkozy at a ceremony at Colleville-sur-Mer tomorrow.
(JM/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 May 2014
Growing Numbers Of Afghan Veterans Seek Mental Health Treatment
On its 95th anniversary, Combat Stress, the UK's leading Veterans' mental health charity, has today revealed new figures showing a substantial increase in Afghanistan Veterans seeking mental health support. The statistics highlight a 57% increase in Afghanistan Veterans seeking Combat Stress’ support from 2012 to 2013.
Growing Numbers Of Afghan Veterans Seek Mental Health Treatment
On its 95th anniversary, Combat Stress, the UK's leading Veterans' mental health charity, has today revealed new figures showing a substantial increase in Afghanistan Veterans seeking mental health support. The statistics highlight a 57% increase in Afghanistan Veterans seeking Combat Stress’ support from 2012 to 2013.
04 August 2004
WW1 veterans commemorate war declaration
Four WW1 veterans aged between 103 and 108 have attended a special service of remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in London today to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the start of the Great War. The service of remembrance, led by the veterans, marked the start of a day of events held in recognition of the outbreak of war on 4 August 1914.
WW1 veterans commemorate war declaration
Four WW1 veterans aged between 103 and 108 have attended a special service of remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in London today to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the start of the Great War. The service of remembrance, led by the veterans, marked the start of a day of events held in recognition of the outbreak of war on 4 August 1914.
11 March 2011
Veteran Support Helpline Launched
Veterans with mental health problems will get targeted support from today with the launch of the new Combat Stress Support Helpline, being delivered by Rethink Mental Illness and funded by the Government.
Veteran Support Helpline Launched
Veterans with mental health problems will get targeted support from today with the launch of the new Combat Stress Support Helpline, being delivered by Rethink Mental Illness and funded by the Government.
04 June 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.
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.
28 March 2006
Compensation scheme extended for Japanese POWs
The government has announced an extension of the compensation scheme for British POWs and civilian internees held by the Japanese during the Second World War.
Compensation scheme extended for Japanese POWs
The government has announced an extension of the compensation scheme for British POWs and civilian internees held by the Japanese during the Second World War.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
