Commemorating D-Day: Councils Across Two Counties Mark Historic 80th Anniversary

West Northamptonshire Council and Rochford District Council are set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the pivotal D-Day landings in separate events across their districts.

In West Northamptonshire, the D-Day ‘Flag of Peace’ will be raised at the Council’s office buildings in Daventry and Towcester. A public flag raising ceremony will take place at 9am on Thursday 6 June outside Sessions House on George Row in Northampton, with Air Vice-Marshal Christopher James Luck representing the Lord-Lieutenant.

The Council’s One Angel Square offices will also participate in the national Beacon lighting ceremony, illuminating the building on 6 June to mark the historic occasion.

D-Day, codenamed Operation Neptune, was the successful allied invasion of the beaches of Normandy on 6 June 1944, a monumental event in World War II that led to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation.

Meanwhile, in Rochford District, communities will gather to mark the 80th anniversary with an event led by Chairman Councillor Sarah-Jane Page. The commemoration will start at 8:30pm in Bellingham Lane, Rayleigh, culminating in a beacon lighting ceremony at 9:15pm.

Chairman Councillor Sarah-Jane Page emphasized the importance of honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in the D-Day landings, highlighting the resilience and unity that emerged from that historic day.

Both councils invite the public to join them in paying tribute to the heroes of Normandy and reflecting on the enduring peace that was secured through their sacrifices.