On the final day of President Donald Trump’s UK state visit he will travel to Portsmouth to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings with the Queen.
The Queen has praised the “immense bravery, ingenuity and determination” of the troops that left the UK’s shores on 6,000 ships to fight against German forces in 1944.
The monarch said, “At this time of reflection for veterans of the conflict and their families, I am sure that these commemorations will provide an opportunity to honour those who made extraordinary sacrifices to secure freedom in Europe.
“They must never be forgotten.”
The British prime minister will honour the largest land, air and naval operation in history with 15 world leaders, including the Prince of Wales and other senior members of the Royal family.
Theresa May said, “It is thanks to their courage and that of other allies that today Europe is free and at peace.
“We will never forget all that they gave – or the sacrifices of the fallen.”
Penny Mordant, the defence secretary said, “D-Day 75 is an unprecedented tribute to our Second World War generation.
“These commemorations will give young and old the opportunity to learn why we should never forget the debt we owe for the peace and freedom we now enjoy.”
General Sir Nick Carter, chief of the defence staff paid tribute and said, “It is fitting that we take huge pride in the parts played by our forebears in the greatest amphibious operation in history.
“D-Day was the last big operation of the war to be dominated by British commanders, British planning and British genius.
“Rightly this week we will focus on the sacrifice of those who gave their lives assaulting the beaches on D-Day.”
On D-Day more then 4,400 allied servicemen were killed, many were killed before they even left their boats, as they were picked off by enemy snipers and many drowned.
Over 75,000 allied troops invaded Normandy in what was the largest amphibious assault ever launched, whilst 7,900 British Paratroopers parachuted in.
The events being held in Portsmouth on Wednesday will see a Royal Naval frigate fire a gun salute to those that fell on that dreadful day, along with a flypast of old historic aircraft to include the Red Arrows.
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