Ringwood Marks 80th D-Day Anniversary with Special Events
As the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings approaches, Ringwood is gearing up to honor this historic occasion with a series of special events and tributes.
Bells of Peace and Beacon Lighting
On June 6th, the Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul will ring their bells for peace at 6:30 p.m., followed by the lighting of a beacon in the war memorial gardens at 9:15 p.m. This symbolic act aligns with a government directive for town councils to light beacons across the British Isles and Commonwealth at the same time.
Sustainable Beacon Commissioned
New Forest Metalworks has commissioned a sustainable beacon for Ringwood, ensuring its use for future commemorative events. This initiative reflects the town's commitment to honoring the sacrifices made during wartime.
Honoring Veterans and Commemorative Services
Special services are at the church graveyard, with one at 10:30 a.m. for Normandy veterans and another at noon for all attendees. Additionally, a commemorative flag-raising ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. in Gateway Square, remaining on display for a week.
National Fish and Chip Day Celebrations
As National Fish and Chip Day approaches, fish and chip shops are urged to join the festivities. Greyfryers will open its doors, inviting visitors to purchase fish and chips to enjoy in the gardens during the beacon lighting.
Community involvement and support
Ringwood Town Mayor, Cllr Gareth Deboos, and Cllr Rae Frederick have been actively rallying local businesses and community members to participate in the commemorations. Their efforts aim to ensure a meaningful and inclusive tribute to the bravery of those who served on D-Day.
Anticipated Turnout and Educational Opportunities
With the success of previous events like the Jubilee celebrations, Ringwood Town Council anticipates a large turnout for the commemorations. Educational opportunities, such as the D-Day discovery bus and exhibition, offer interactive experiences for both children and adults to learn about this significant moment in history.
