Newark commemorates D-Day 80th anniversary with beacon lighting ceremony in Newark Market Place
In an emotional ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a beacon was lit in Newark to commemorate the ‘enduring and lasting memory’ of those that fought in the battle.
D-Day was the name given to the day that the allied nations launched their invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe during the second world war, as 163,000 troops landed along the coast of France on June 6 1944, as part of Operation Overlord.
80 years on Newark Market Place filled with hundreds of residents as the town paid tribute to those that fought, died and made history when landing on the beaches of Normandy.
The ceremony was opened by the Reverend Chris Lion, who read a poignant bible verse about the powers of good over evil.
‘The power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous’, Psalm 37:17.
Sharing his reflections, Rev. Lion, said: “Often in war there are grey areas, both sides have a case to make that they are the righteous — not so on D-Day.
“As Churchill wrote, ‘this was the fight for the freedom of millions, even billions, against a ruthless and evil system that desired to subjugate whomever it could’.
“Regardless of the undoubted reality that the invading forces had righteousness on their side, almost unimaginable courage was required of those who would land on the beaches.
“They went knowing many of them would not survive. But still they went.”
He added: “As we remember, we give thanks. We honour the sacrifice of those that laid down their lives, and we give thanks to God that on that day he did uphold the righteous.”
A number of dignitaries from across Newark and Nottinghamshire attended the ceremony, including Deputy Lieutenant Graham Cartledge who spoke on behalf of King Charles III.
He said: “Tonight we pause to remember the enduring and lasting memory of the events of June 1944, not just in our collective history, but in the lives of the individual service personnel who played a truly historic role in the defence of our nation and fought selflessly for our freedom.
“On that day, success and sacrifice came hand in hand. It was the breakthrough that would help us win the war.
“But alongside the triumphs, we must remember the heavy losses suffered and the burden borne by so many that took part.
“In lighting this beacon, we pay our respects to the fallen from all nations, and convey our gratitude to those that fought and served home and abroad.”
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Armed Forces champion, Keith Girling, read out the names of the 19 service personnel from Nottinghamshire whom lost their lives on D-Day, followed by a poem reading by Rhiannon Brown of Newark Sea Cadets
The beacon was then lit, symbolising the eternal flame of freedom that the armed forces secured by their actions that fateful day in 1944.
Mayor of Newark, Diane Ledger read the official international D-Day tribute before the Market Place fell silent as The Last Post was sounded — played by Daisy Wyatt of Newark Town Band.
The Standards of military and veterans organisations were lowered, and spectators observed a moment of quiet reflection.
It was just one of hundreds of beacons lit in towns, villages and cities across the country, bringing to an end a day of international commemoration.
The atmosphere was set by Newark Town Band, who filled the Market Place with military band music, and throughout the day the flags of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and a special ‘D-Day 80’ flag were flown from Newark Town Hall.
Passionate flag collector and town councillor Laurence Goff also used his collection to adorn the Market Place with dozens of flags representing many of the countries that fought in the conflict.
Beacon lighting ceremonies were also held in Collingham, Bingham and Bottesford, and earlier in the day Ollerton hosted a short service of remembrance.
General Election candidates for Newark, Saj Ahmad (Labour), Adrian Amer (Independent), and Robert Jenrick (Conservative), were also in attendance at the Newark ceremony.
