A picture of Vice Chair of the Council Mal Mutton, Standard bearers and veterans

The city was today marking the 80th anniversary of D Day and paying tribute to those who served.

A flag-raising ceremony was held outside the Council House this morning, attended by standard bearers and Armed Forces veterans, and a special Choral Evensong is being held at Coventry Cathedral this evening.

The city joined others across Europe and around the world in paying tribute to those who served and gave so much on that historic day and the ones to follow.

The D-Day landings of 6 June 1944 was the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with the associated airborne operations, it marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe.

Early on 6 June, Allied airborne forces parachuted into drop zones across northern France. Ground troops then landed across five assault beaches - Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword. By the end of the day, the Allies had established a foothold along the coast and could begin their advance into France.

Thousands lost their lives.
 

Today, Deputy Lord Mayor Mal Mutton said: “Coventry, like so many others, suffered terribly in those dark years of war. We emerged a different city, one devastated by conflict, but one determined to work for a peaceful future.

“That work was made possible by the bravery of those we remember today, who gave so much to help others live in peace.

“Through our work as a city of peace and reconciliation, we honour those we lost on D Day, during the wars and in other conflicts.  And today we stand with thousands of others across the UK and the world in remembering them.

“No matter how many years go by, it is so important that we continue to tell their story. In doing so, we can build the better, more peaceful world they wished for.”

 

Published: Thursday, 6th June 2024