Jersey prepares to mark 80 years since D-Day

Friday, 31 May 2024 10:41

Events are taking place in Jersey next week to mark 80 years since D-Day.

The largest seaborne invasion in history marked the beginning of liberation in Western Europe.

Earlier this week Jersey's last known D-Day Veteran was honoured with a portrait in the town hall in St Helier.

100-year-old Eddie Thorne was there for the unveiling of the painting.

Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq (left), Veteran Ernie Thorne (middle) and Portrait Artist Jason Butler (right)

The anniversary of D-day is on the June 6th and islanders are being invited to come together on that day to pay their respects.

At 12:30pm, a memorial service is taking place at the Cenotaph in St Helier.

It will be led by the Dean of Jersey and consist of a wreath laying ceremony, giving attendees time to reflect on the sacrifices soldiers made to secure our freedom.

It is hoped that Eddie Thorne, the last known Jersey Normandy Veteran, will be there to mark the occasion.

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Later that evening, they'll be a service at the Second World War memorial on Noirmont Point.

It'll take place at 8:30pm and will conclude with the Bailiff of Jersey lighting a beacon to commemorate the anniversary.

The service is part of a project that spans across the British Isles during which towns and cities will ignite beacons collectively at 9:15pm to pay their respects.