“The 80th Anniversary of D-Day is a chance to remember the sacrifices of so many, who fought and gave their lives for others. The scale was huge – 150,000 troops, 7,000 ships – but it is the individual who matters. Each Service person had a story – and there are so few now to tell it. We should never underestimate their sacrifice. Was it worth it? As a beneficiary of Europe’s longest period of peace, their lives secured ours. The least they deserve is recognition.”
Lieutenant General (Ret’d) Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE, Chairman of X-Forces Enterprise
X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) joins the nation in commemorating the D-Day landings of 6 June 1944, the largest seaborne invasion in history. Along with the associated airborne operations, the landings were a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of the end of World War II and the restoration of peace in Europe.
The Commemoration Events
On 5 June, Portsmouth will host the national event, featuring royal family members, military musicians, and a flypast by the Red Arrows. XFE CEO and Founder Lt Col Ren Kapur MBE will be present, accompanied by Douglas Thomson, XFE’s Learning, Development and Community Events Manager, a British Army veteran himself. The BBC will broadcast this event live from Southsea Common.
The following day, 6 June, marks the exact date of the anniversary. The UK’s national commemorative event will take place at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, France, honouring those who fought and fell for our freedom. A number of Second World War veterans have travelled from the UK to be present.
“Remembering those whose lives were lost or changed through conflict is extremely important to X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) and the community we serve. As we pay homage to the bravery and sacrifice of the D-Day heroes, XFE reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values they fought for: freedom, peace, and the recognition of every individual’s story.”
Lt Col Ren Kapur MBE, Founder and CEO of X-Forces Enterprise
Find out more about the D-Day 80 events taking place around the UK and read the incredible stories of D-Day veterans here: dday80.campaign.gov.uk
