Services and beacons lit across Stratford district
IT was time to remember and honour the fallen who gave their lives during the D-Day landings 80 years ago on 6th June.
In tribute to their heroism and that of those who fought and came home to loved ones and family, a service was held in the Garden of Remembrance, Stratford, last Thursday evening which was attended by members of the armed forces, civic dignitaries, the Royal British Legion, the clergy and the public who wanted to be there at that precise moment in time to pay their respects to the outstanding courage shown on the beaches in Normandy on that historic day.
Stratford Mayor, Cllr Jason Fojtik, found the occasion to be very moving and one he will remember forever.
“There was a good gathering and it was a lovely service. I was invited to lay a wreath and I asked a friend called Anne Body from Stratford to lay the wreath with me in memory of D-Day and also in memory of her late husband – Ted – who gave so many years of his life serving in the armed forces. I was there to represent the town and residents of Stratford. While we have the annual Remembrance Day services, D-Day is observed on certain anniversaries and this was a lovely occasion,” the mayor said.
With prayers and readings led by Holy Trinity Church vicar, Rev Patrick Taylor, a special D-Day beacon was lit by the Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox.
It was one of the many beacons that lit up the evening sky during the D-Day commemorations including one in Alcester where the Royal British Legion held an event on Centenary Field attended by more than 200 people which saw an 80th D-Day anniversary bench unveiled.
A new D-Day flag was raised and the mayor, Cllr Mike Bowe, laid a wreath on behalf of the town.
