Civic buildings across Liverpool will be lit red, white and blue on Thursday, to mark the 75th anniversary of the ‘turning of the tide’ in World War Two.
The city will also pay tribute to all those men and women who took part in the Normandy Landings of June 6, 1944, with a special service of commemoration at St John’s Gardens.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Peter Brennan, will join the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Mark Blundell and other civic dignitaries for the special service of remembrance at St John’s Garden’s on Thursday 6 June.
The D-Day landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history. A task force of nearly 160,000 people from a host of nations set sail for France in a bid to liberate Europe.
Two battalions of the Kings (Liverpool) Regiment took part in the invasion and were tasked with securing Sword and Juno beaches by providing cover for the troops and equipment coming ashore.
The city also played a pivotal part in the success of the mission by being the headquarters for the control of the Western Approaches of the UK’s coastlines. Keeping the sea lanes clear enabled US troops who were to take part in the D-Day operations to land safely in Britain.
This year, the Royal British Legion is recreating the D-Day journey by taking 200 D-Day Veterans to Commemorations in the UK and France on board the MV Boudicca.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) in Liverpool has organised Thursday’s commemoration event, supported by Liverpool City Council.
Bill Martin of the Liverpool RBL said: “On Thursday we will stand in awe of the achievement and salute the bravery and sacrifice. The Legion with The City of Liverpool will hold a service in St Johns Gardens at 11am. We invite any veterans or their families who have not made the trip to France and wish to commemorate their achievements to join us.”
The service will be led by the Rector of Liverpool The Revd Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, who said: “When we commemorate the anniversary of D-Day, we are not just reading from history books, but celebrating and acknowledging the tremendous service given by men and women in 1944 which has directly shaped our world today. Along with every city and community in the UK, Liverpool played its part in restoring democracy and freedom across western Europe and I am proud to be part of the commemoration of the battle against Nazism.”
Whilst Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Peter Brennan said: “This was one of the most decisive actions of the Second World War and Liverpool played no small part in its success, which ultimately led to the allied victory in Europe.
“All those of us who appreciate the values of liberty, freedom of speech, the democratic process and the ability to live our lives without persecution, owes our D-Day heroes a debt that can never be repaid. It is our privilege to honour them on the 75th anniversary of this momentous event.”
As part of the commemorations, Liverpool City Council will be lighting up Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall and the Cunard Building in red, white and blue colours.
The service will take place at St John’s Gardens at the rear of St George’s Hall from 11am onwards on Thursday 6 June.