A number of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings will be taking place across the borough in June, and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough
Council is encouraging local people to get involved.
The D-Day landings of June 6, 1944 in Normandy, France, were the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with the airborne operations, they marked the beginning of the liberation of France and western Europe during the Second World War.
Events will include a church service, local schools participation, music, lighting of the beacons and a reading of The International Tribute.
“This anniversary of the D-Day landings remembers those who sacrificed so much for peace and freedom 80 years ago and we would like to invite members of the public to join with us to mark this occasion,” said Lord Mayor, Alderman Margaret Tinsley.
“If you have a war-time story to share, some item belonging to a relative or photograph of a member of your family, please get in touch with the officers organising the events and see how you can become involved in our events.”
All events will take place on Thursday, June 6 at 8pm, with the lighting of the beacons at 9.15pm.
In Armagh, a service will take place in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and will include an act of remembrance followed by the lighting of the beacon.
Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre will host local school children involved in D-Day projects, some music, light refreshments and the lighting of the beacon at Craigavon Lakes.
The Banbridge event will be held at the civic building and will take the same format as the Craigavon event, with the beacon being lit at the front of the building.
Anyone who has a story or memorabilia to shared is asked to get in touch with Diane Stinson on 07786 517 767 or email diane.stinson@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk.
This initiative is supported through The Executive Office District Council Good Relations Programme.
