Sunday June 21,2009
Report by Sarah Wescott (UK News), Helen Playford
WITH heads held high Normandy veterans marched for the last time yesterday – in tribute to fallen comrades. They made their way down Whitehall in bright sunshine for a final memorial service – 65 years after D-Day.
Bearing poppy wreaths and medals with pride, some walked with sticks. Others joined the parade in wheelchairs. An emotional crowd applauded each and every one. The Normandy Veterans’ Association will no longer hold its own service because of the age of the men and the difficulties of getting them to London. Two of the former soldiers collapsed in the warm weather during yesterday’s ceremony. NVA national chaplain, the Reverend Ken Ward, said: “We can be thankful to God that we have lived all these years. We will always remember the sacrifices that were made.” In line with tradition, the standards were lowered as Last Post was played, before a minute’s silence, and then raised during Reveille. John Wintle, from Caerphilly, South Wales, served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Normandy. He said: “It is about remembering those that didn’t come back. I’m 85 and I’m one of the younger ones. We are hoping the younger people will keep up the memorials.” Comedian Eddie Izzard, who gave a donation to help veterans travel to Normandy for this year’s 65th anniversary, joined the parade along with Forces’ sweetheart Kas Kelly, 21, who chatted with veterans. Opening address on program by the National Chaplin The Revd Kenneth Ward BA LTh L d’H: “On the occasion of our final Thanksgiving Services in London and York, we meet together and are joined in fellowship, in the presence of God, to take part in the 65th Anniversary Service.’
Standards marching through the arch at Whitehall
Hans and Harm Kuijper,NVAFriends with Bill Price
ALWAYS SUPPORTING, ALWAYS FRIENDS:
Veterans Charlie Francis and Albert Rodger
of 95th Branch prepare to march on this Memorial Day
See all the pictures in the Photo Gallery
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