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04/06/2004
Royals join veterans for D-Day commemorations
Members of the Royal Family will join veterans in commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Normandy Landings during the weekend June 5-6.
The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal family will attend official events. The Prime Minister Tony Blair will also join veterans for the event.
The invasion of Normandy in June 1944 – known as Operation Overlord – gained the Allies a foothold in northern Europe which saw the gradual retreat of Axis troops from France. After fierce fighting, the French capital was liberated on August 25. The German army finally capitulated within a year of the D-Day landings.
Around 10,000 veterans are expected to attend events in France, which could well be the last commemoration on such a scale.
Despite the presence of around 250 Scots veterans, the Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell had originally said that he would not be attending – opting instead to attend a gala bash celebrating the 250th anniversary of St Andrews golf club.
However, he changed his plans after he was widely criticised in the media and by veterans groups.
Mr McConnell, a golfing enthusiast, said that "it was only right" that he represent his country. The Scottish contingent, which made up a quarter of the force that stormed the beaches, was going to be headed by Finance Minister Andy Kerr before the first minister changed his mind.
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will represent his nation, the first time an official German representative has been invited.
Veterans will receive a new badge as part of the continuing commemoration of 60th anniversaries associated with the Second World War. It is designed to help the public recognise veterans and the contribution they made.
Former Defence Secretary Lord Healey, who served as a Beach Master during the Anzio landings in Italy in 1944, received the first badge on 10 May.
(gmcg)
The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and other members of the Royal family will attend official events. The Prime Minister Tony Blair will also join veterans for the event.
The invasion of Normandy in June 1944 – known as Operation Overlord – gained the Allies a foothold in northern Europe which saw the gradual retreat of Axis troops from France. After fierce fighting, the French capital was liberated on August 25. The German army finally capitulated within a year of the D-Day landings.
Around 10,000 veterans are expected to attend events in France, which could well be the last commemoration on such a scale.
Despite the presence of around 250 Scots veterans, the Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell had originally said that he would not be attending – opting instead to attend a gala bash celebrating the 250th anniversary of St Andrews golf club.
However, he changed his plans after he was widely criticised in the media and by veterans groups.
Mr McConnell, a golfing enthusiast, said that "it was only right" that he represent his country. The Scottish contingent, which made up a quarter of the force that stormed the beaches, was going to be headed by Finance Minister Andy Kerr before the first minister changed his mind.
Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will represent his nation, the first time an official German representative has been invited.
Veterans will receive a new badge as part of the continuing commemoration of 60th anniversaries associated with the Second World War. It is designed to help the public recognise veterans and the contribution they made.
Former Defence Secretary Lord Healey, who served as a Beach Master during the Anzio landings in Italy in 1944, received the first badge on 10 May.
(gmcg)
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The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, paid tribute to heroes of the Normandy landings as he met D-Day veterans in Scotland yesterday. The Prince, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, met with three veteran soldiers from Glasgow who recounted their memories of the Normandy landings and the battle in which many of their comrades fell.
Prince Charles pays tribute to Scottish D-Day veterans
The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, paid tribute to heroes of the Normandy landings as he met D-Day veterans in Scotland yesterday. The Prince, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, met with three veteran soldiers from Glasgow who recounted their memories of the Normandy landings and the battle in which many of their comrades fell.
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Surviving WWI Veterans Attend Armistice Day Memorial
Three of the last surviving British World War I veterans have attended a ceremony at London's Cenotaph to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the conflict. Henry Allingham, 112, Harry Patch, 110, and Bill Stone, 108 laid wreaths for their fallen colleagues at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, to commemorate Armistice Day.
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WW1 veterans commemorate war declaration
Four WW1 veterans aged between 103 and 108 have attended a special service of remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph in London today to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the start of the Great War. The service of remembrance, led by the veterans, marked the start of a day of events held in recognition of the outbreak of war on 4 August 1914.
WW1 veterans commemorate war declaration
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03 February 2014
Queen To Make State Visit For The Anniversary Of D-Day Landings
The Queen has been invited to visit France by President Francois Hollande to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, according to Buckingham Palace. The royal trip will happen on a three-day state visit, which will be from 5 to 7 June. The Queen will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.
Queen To Make State Visit For The Anniversary Of D-Day Landings
The Queen has been invited to visit France by President Francois Hollande to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings, according to Buckingham Palace. The royal trip will happen on a three-day state visit, which will be from 5 to 7 June. The Queen will be accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry but cloudy start. Rain will extend northeastwards to most places later this morning, becoming persistent and at times heavier this afternoon.The rain then clearing from many places later this evening. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Mostly cloudy with a lot of dry weather during the night. Some rain lingering along north and east coasts, extending to inland parts of Country Down and Antrim by morning. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
