Honouring valour

D-Day Stone in Portsmouth, England

“This is a sad time isn’t it? I didn’t smile” said the boy of about 8 to his grandmother. We were in the crowd attending today’s D-Day Remembrance Service at the D-Day Stone on the Southsea Esplanade in Portsmouth, the place of embarkation for thousands of service personnel on their way to France 70 years ago. After the readings, prayers and laying of wreaths to honour those who died during the D-Day landings, there was a parade of military participants along the esplanade. A number of school groups were in attendance.

Veterans parade after Remembrance Service

My visit to the English city of Portsmouth has fortunately coincided with the 70th anniversary commemoration of D-Day and I have been able to take in some of the activities. Portsmouth has dedicated 4 days to recognize the historic event. Yesterday I was delighted to see the RAF Red Arrows aerobatic team display. Each day there are displays, activities and exhibits near the War Memorial at Southsea Common, a huge open area along the seafront.

RAF Red Arrows display June 5th at Portsmouth

More than 650 British veterans have travelled to Normandy for the memorial there. From June 6, 1944 to the conclusion of the Battle of Normandy at the end of August that year, an estimated 110,000 on both sides plus an estimated 20,000 French civilians died as a result of the fighting.