80th Anniversary of D-Day

On the actual 80^th anniversary of D-Day (6^th June), at 9:15pm, as part of the national memorial, we are lighting the beacon on the mound in the park.

We are honoured to have Wythall and Bletchley Park legend Betty Webb actually lighting it, with the Rev Manda Featherstone, from St Mary’s, whom many of you will know from the annual Remembrance Day service, reading the tribute to the fallen.

The Tribute

Let us remember those who gave their lives at
home and abroad during the D-Day landings,
whose sacrifice enables us all to enjoy the
peace and freedom we have today.

Let us remember those who came home
wounded, physically and mentally, and the
friends and family who cared for them.

Let us remember those who returned to restore
their relationships and rebuild their working
lives after years of conflict and turmoil.

Let us remember the families that lost husbands,
wives, sons, daughters and sweethearts.

Let us remember the servicemen and women
and merchant seafarers of all nationalities –
from all countries – who fought, suffered and
died during the D-Day landings and six years
of war.

Let us all remember those in the Royal Navy,
Army, Royal Air Force, Merchant Navy, and our
Allies – the brave people who kept us safe on
the home front and abroad and those in
reserved occupations during the difficult time of war.

Let us remember the brave doctors and nurses who
cared for the wounded, the men and women who
toiled in the fields, the coal mines, the factories
and the air raid wardens, police officers, firemen,
ambulance drivers and the young people of the Scouts
and Guides who all played such a vital role in the war.

Standard Bearer – Albert Bishop

Bugler – Sam Hewitt from Kings Norton Youth Marching Band