D-Day 80th - 6 June 2024

I am honoured to support the 80th anniversary celebrations to commemorate D-Day. 

D-Day on 6 June 1944 was the largest Naval, Air and land Operation in history, involving many hundreds of thousands of brave men who had to leave their families at home, not knowing if they would ever return home, a feat we hope will never have to take place again. 

The heroism of those who landed on the shores of the Normandy beaches, represented a beacon of light for the world during a particularly dark period of war. It is therefore fitting that local communities throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and those along the shorelines of Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches in Normandy, France, should light Beacons on 6 June 2024, in 'tribute to the light of peace that they brought out from the misery of darkness during that dreadful campaign, of which many unfortunately did not return. I am therefore delighted to support this initiative and I urge communities across the country to support this event. 

I would like to pay particular tribute to Pageantmaster, Bruno Peek for his tremendous efforts in leading these historic celebrations. It also gives me great pleasure in congratulating The Royal Naval Association, The Merchant Navy Association, The Royal Airforce Benevolent Fund and ABF The Soldiers Charity for their remarkable efforts in supporting our service personnel, along with their families. 

As we look forward to the future, I believe we should take strength from the shared hardship of our experience during World War II. That future is why so many of our service men gave their lives - and protecting the peace they fought for is the greatest way we can honour those who fell.

Rishi Sunak

February 2023