This year is truly a year for commemoration and one in which it’s hoped many people might pause to remember the immense sacrifices made on our behalf by our forebears to enable us to live in peace and security.
With the recent ceremonies surrounding the 70th anniversary of D-Day fresh in our memories, many people felt very humble seeing the relatively few survivors of that battle, and the Second World War generally, being honoured by French and other European citizens who were the direct beneficiaries of their brave deeds when they landed on those Normandy beaches 70 years ago.
It was the biggest amphibious exercise in history, and the most ambitious, moving over 150,000 men in the first wave, without detection under the noses of German troops stationed all along the coast.
That it was a success was due to immense amounts of meticulous planning and exhaustive training over a period of many months. Much deception was also involved and as always an element of good fortune played a part.
By evening of June 6, a sustainable bridgehead had been established which marked the beginning of the end of the war. Just over nine months later the war in Europe was won and the process of rebuilding and reconciliation began.
August will see commemorations marking the beginning of the First World War; the Great War as it’s known. Many millions of people perished on both sides during the 1914-1918 conflict and with all the participants and survivors now dead, it’s up to us and succeeding generations to remember them.
Many Armed Forces charities and organisations like the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, RNA, RAFA and Help for Heroes all do their bit to encourage us to give help to remember those sacrifices and this year, Armed Forces week will be especially poignant.
South Holland District Council has decided this year to start the week off with a flag unfurling on Monday, June 23. For more information, call the council offices on 01775 761161. Everyone is welcome at the ceremony outside the South Holland District Office.
Tuesday, June 24, is market day in Spalding and for the first time, there will be a march through the Market Place by Armed Forces members, past and present. This will take place at 10.30am and a short service will be conducted before the parade disperses. It’s hoped as many members of the public as possible will attend this unique event to give thanks and honour the wonderful deeds of our Armed Forces over the years.
Major Dennis Hannant will sing Abide With Me at the end of the service, this will be a very moving event not to be missed.
Armed Forces Day itself is Saturday, June 28, and will be marked throughout the country with many more ceremonies and it’s hoped that this year people will take time out of their busy lives to pause and give thanks for those who gave their lives for us to enjoy the freedoms we take for granted.
Tulip Radio would like to thank Coun Angela Newton, Keith Crawford MBE, Ken Willows, David Almond, Colin Jackman, Rev John Bennett and Maj Dennis Hannant for all their hard work and commitment with the Armed Forces week and for including us in their event.
