This year will be the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, with a series of major commemorations and events planned across the UK and in France.
The Normandy Landings on 6 June 1944 were the largest seaborne invasion in history, and along with their associated airborne operations, marked the beginning of the liberation of France and Western Europe.
So, what events are on and how can you get involved?
Portsmouth
The city, which was the launch pad for the invasion, is to lead the UK’s national commemorations with an event on 5 June.
Surviving D-Day veterans, military past and present, along with VIPs and dignitaries will all be in attendance.
The ceremonies will take place on a purpose-built stage constructed on Southsea Common, complete with military musicians and a Royal Air Force flypast.
Thousands of members of the public are invited to attend.
More information on how to register to attend can be found on the gov.uk D-Day 80 website.
British Normandy Memorial
The Royal British Legion (RBL) has opened registration for veterans of the Normandy campaign to attend the British event, hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), at the British Normandy Memorial.
A public ballot for attendance at this event will also take place, subject to event capacity.
Full details are available at rbl.org.uk/dday80.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery
Normandy veterans, family members and their descendants are also invited to register to attend the RBL commemorative events at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery on 5 June.
Full details at rbl.org.uk/dday80.
National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
On Thursday 6 June at 14:00 UK time, the RBL will host a Remembrance Service, for the public and veterans who are not able to travel to Normandy, to mark 80 years since D-Day within the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum.
Entry into this area must be booked in advance and is subject to availability.
To register your interest to attend this element of the day the registration form must be completed by 23:59 on 28 March.
Click here for the registration form.
Ministry of Defence commemorative events
In October 2023, the MOD announced a series of commemorative events to take place in Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
These will include major events at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Bayeux War Cemetery, the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer and at Bayeux Cathedral.
Further details and information on how to register interest in the events will be announced on the D-Day 80 website in due course.
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