D-Day 80: Portsmouth to lead nation's commemorations for 80th anniversary of D-Day
Portsmouth is to host a major national commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day on 5 June.
At the heart of the occasion will be the attendance of surviving D-Day veterans, made extra poignant as they are all over 90 years old now and this may be the last time they are able to gather in significant numbers.
The Armed Forces is to lead the commemorations with personnel past and present coming together, along with VIPs and dignitaries, to remember the legacy of D-Day.
Thousands of members of the public are also invited to join the historic event.
The ceremonies will take place on a purpose-built stage constructed on Southsea Common, complete with military musicians and a Royal Air Force flypast.
Tributes will be paid to the surviving veterans of D-Day as well as commemorating all those who died during the Normandy campaign.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "We must never forget the sacrifices made on D-Day and the selfless courage of the veterans of Normandy.
"It's hard to imagine a more noble act than risking your life to defeat tyranny and oppression.
"I'm proud that the Armed Forces will lead the nation in tributes to the heroes of Normandy in Portsmouth in June."
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer said: "We will forever owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans and the allied forces who fought so courageously at Normandy.
"On the 80th anniversary, we will remember all those who put their life on the line for our freedom during D-Day, and continue to pay tribute to their brave service to this day."
To mark 100 days to go until the 80th anniversary, the names of 13 veterans from 12 allied countries are to be added to the Normandy Memorial Wall in Portsmouth.
John Roberts, whose name will be added to the Normandy Memorial Wall, said it was humbling to see the nation come together to remember D-Day and those who fell during the Normandy landings.
"I will never forget that day, and I'm proud to know that the British people won't forget either.
"I hope that the commemorations in June will help a whole new generation understand the sacrifices made on their behalf."
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