On 6 June, under magnificent blue skies, the Normandy Veterans Association gathered at the Shrine of Remembrance to mark the 74th Anniversary of D.Day Landings In Normandy, France on 6th June 1944. During what was called the longest day, 120,000 Allied troops were landed plus the 32,000 men from airborne divisions.
Shrine Governor, Lieutenant Colonel Don Reid, and Rev Siôn Gough Hughes of the Welsh Church, welcomed everyone, before a Poem was read by Jess Stevens, a student of Glen Waverley Secondary College.
Following the address delivered by Myriam Boisbouvier-Wylie, Honorary Consul General of France in Melbourne, wreaths were laid next to the eternal flame. Then the Royal Navy Band beautifully executed the French, British, American and Australian anthems.
The D Day landing was the crucial moment that started the end of the Second World War and France will be eternally grateful to the sacrifice of the young men and women who paid the ultimate price to liberate its nation. It is important to reflect on how effective and powerful the collaboration between countries can be. The Operation Overlord in preparation of the D Day landing is a superb example of a successful cooperation between various nations. A cooperation that was followed at the end of the Second World War by a reconciliation between warring countries. A cooperation that brought peace…
