Remembering D-Day

 'Normandy'
by Juno Veteran Cyril Crain 

find out more about the poet here

Come and stand in memory
Of men who fought and died
They gave their lives in Normandy
Remember them with pride.
 
Soldiers, Airman, sailors
Airborne and marines
Who in civvy life were tailors
and men who worked machines.
 
British and Canadian
And men from USA
Forces from the Commonwealth
They all were there that day
 
To Juno, Sword and Utah
Beaches of renown
Also Gold and Omaha
That’s where the ramps went down.

The battle raged in Normandy
Many lives were lost
The war must end in victory
And this must be the cost
 
When my life is over
And I reach the other side
I’ll meet my friends from Normandy
And shake their hands with pride.

Tomorrow (June 6) marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings. D-Day was the largest military naval, air and land operation ever attempted, and marked the start of the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied north-west Europe.

Robert Lee of the Royal British Legion tells us:

"We all need to appreciate that freedom of choice, democracy, pluralism and other values we enjoy today were bought at a price through the service and sacrifice of the international alliance. We want to pass remembrance on to the next generation, and in so doing, keep alive a sense of national identity. The stories which are shared between generations form the fabric of individuals, families, cities, regions and the nation. 

We should never forget the enormity of the events of 6 June 1944. Let us all remember and pay tribute to the D-Day veterans this year."

Let's hope that the facts of this important event are being taught in schools, so that youngsters today can learn to appreciate the sacrifices made on their behalf. 

Click here to find out what happened during the Normandy landings. Click here and here  for more information.

Writing prompts:

• Do you agree that it's important for future generations to remember D-Day? Write about why, or why not.
• What does 'sacrifice' mean to you? Write about it and any related experiences you have had.
• Which historical events do consider to be the most significant? Write about one that is important to you.
• Make a list of significant events in your life and write about one of them in detail for six minutes.