THIS June marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings and a special reconstruction has been planned on Redcar beach.
D-Day was the successful allied invasion of the beaches of Normandy in World War II on 6 June 1944.
The Normandy landings made up the largest seaborne invasion in history and played a crucial role in liberating Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
On Thursday 6 June 2024, the British Legion and veterans, in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, will be hosting a reconstruction of the D-Day landing on Redcar beach, on a much smaller scale.
There will also be fishing boats and military vehicles creating a war scene with flares and pyrotechnics.
A parade will set off at 10.30am from Redcar beach. The parade will be led by Standard Bearers, veterans and anyone else who wishes to take part on the day.
There will be stalls, memorabilia, military vehicles, and goods for sale. Adults and children are encouraged to dress up.
The Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland, Cllr Neil Bendelow, said: “This event will be a special way to honour the heroes of the D-Day landings all those years ago. Their sacrifice and bravery will never be forgotten.
“There will be lots of things for people to see and do and I’m sure it will be very poignant standing on Redcar beach while remembering the fallen and marking this special anniversary.”
Eric Howden BEM, Chairman of Redcar Branch Royal British Legion, said: "This is a special day in our national history. Here in Redcar, we have the opportunity to not just commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day but in a very small way to replicate the actual event on our beach. We also need to remember our colleagues, families and friends who were involved in that massive assault on the Normandy beaches many of whom didn't return. This is our way of honouring those in our own small way. We ask people to come along and join us."
For more information, contact Barbara.webster@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk