Normandy honours fallen soldiers

Normandy today marked the 62nd anniversary of the D-Day landings that changed the course of the Second World War with a military ceremony and veterans’ talks to schoolchildren.

The official ceremony was set to take place in Asnelles-sur-Mer, part of Gold Beach, where British soldiers came ashore for the June 6, 1944, landings that freed France from Nazi Germany’s grip.

Veterans Minister Hamlaoui Mekachera presided over the event, which was to include a concert, a military ceremony and a non-denominational service.

In the early morning, a few veterans from the 231st Infantry Brigade went to Gold Beach to remember lost friends and talk to local villagers and schoolchildren about their experiences.

“It’s very moving to be here,” said 87-year-old Ken Ewing. “To see this beach where many friends lost their lives gives me the chills and makes me think we should never forget; we must never forget.”

A dozen schoolchildren read out poems they wrote for the occasion. Children asked such questions as “Were you afraid?” – and the British veterans communicated through a translator.

“I am very moved to be with them,” said Laura Guyon, 11. “These older gentleman were crying when they were on the beach.”

Other smaller ceremonies were taking place elsewhere along the Normandy coast. The town of Carentan was commemorating D-Day with a reconstructed military camp - complete with tents and vintage French and US army vehicles.