The Sheffield branch of the Normandy Veterans Association have recently held two parades at the war memorial in Barkers Pool to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy in June 1944.
The first was held at 11.0 am on 6th June 2014, the day of the 70th anniversary. This was attended by a small group of veterans who had not been able to travel to France for the commemorations in Normandy.
The second event, attended by a much larger group, was held on 11th June by which time the veterans who had been over to France had returned to Sheffield.
Gordon Drabble, secretary of the Sheffield NVA, said:
“The 70th anniversary events in Normandy proved to be a memorable and moving reminder of what happened on the Normandy beaches 70 years ago, especially visits to the war cemeteries where so many of our comrades are buried. We never forget them. The importance of these events was acknowledged by the presence of the Queen and other members of the royal family together with the heads of state from 18 other countries. This will probably be the last major commemoration of this kind as most Normandy veterans are now over 90 years of age.”
