All aboard! Royal British Legion launch D-Day 65 events
21 May 2009
The Royal British Legion launched its D-Day 65 season at a 1940s themed party in London today.
Events are being hosted on both sides of the Channel with opportunities for everyone to participate as the country says 'thank you' to its D-Day Heroes.
On Saturday 6 June, join the Legion for a spectacular public party in Portsmouth with music and dancing from the 1940s, traditional fairground attractions, a display of vintage military vehicles, a free fun bike ride and much more.
In Normandy, commemorative events will be held in Caen, Arromanches and Bayeux including a Service of Remembrance in Bayeux Cathedral.
On the beach at Asnelles, which formed part of the British landing beach GOLD, thousands of flags with messages of thanks from the public will be planted by school children. They will be joined by D-Day veterans and dignitaries on Saturday 6 June to plant their own flags.
D-Day veteran Dennis Davidson who served with the Royal Army Service Corps and drove amphibious vehicles in Operation Overlord. Mr Davidson said he was 'honoured' to be asked to launch the D-Day 65 events.
"So many of my friends made the ultimate sacrifice on that day so that we can be free to celebrate and enjoy life. I hope everyone takes this opportunity to send a message to the D-Day Heroes so they know that their brave deeds are still appreciated to this day."
Director of National Events and Fundraising Russell Thompson OBE said he hoped to raise £2.5 million with the events to help those who fought on that day, and their families.
"It's wonderful that we still have so many veterans around today, including hundreds who will be making the trip over to Normandy. But there are many who need The Royal British Legion to ensure they have a decent quality of life which is why we rely on the generosity of the public to allow that to happen."
For further media information please contact:
Annabelle Fuller
Tel: 0203 207 2239
Mob: 07919 696456
email: afuller@britishlegion.org.uk
How you can take part:
By planting a flag
You can get involved whether you are going to Normandy, Portsmouth or celebrating at home. Anyone can visit our D-Day 65 website to Plant a flag either virtually or for us to plant on GOLD beach.
Buy a D-Day Badge
Buy a D-Day badge by online at www.dday65.org.uk or by texting as below:
Text badge & your name, address and postcode to 81686
Text message example; Badge, John Smith, 20 Veterans Street, WC16RT
Terms & Conditions: Text the word Badge followed by your name, address and postcode to 81686 to make a £5.00 donation to The Royal British Legion (RBL) and to receive a special D-Day Badge. For every donation at least £3.90 goes directly to the RBL. Please obtain the bill payers permission. Customer Service number is 0844 991 0078 and all calls to this number will cost 6p per minute. For data protection information visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/dataprotection
By making a donation
We would really appreciate it if you could make a donation. All donations go towards our work with current and ex-Service men and women. To make a donation, please use this link.
View the video of the launch via YouTube below.
