He king Charles III of the United Kingdom asked this Wednesday to remember “the courage and bravery” of those who participated in the Day Dthe landing of Normandy in the World War IIand expressed “eternal gratitude” for the release of Europe.
The British monarch participated today in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Day D At the port of portsmouth (in the south of England), from where the so-called Overlord operation departed on June 5, 1945, along with the queen camilla and in front of a small number of former combatants, military personnel and political representatives.
“The stories of courage, resilience and solidarity that we have heard today and throughout our lives cannot fail to move us, inspire us and remind us of what we owe to that great wartime generation,” said Carlos III on the large stage built in Portsmouth to mark the anniversary. It is our duty to ensure that we and future generations do not forget their service and sacrifice in replacing tyranny with freedom” and that it came at “a terrible cost,” he added.
With his decorations on his lapel, the British head of state highlighted that almost 160,000 young people landed under enemy fire on the French beaches of Normandy. “Each of these brave sailors, soldiers and airmen risked their lives so that others could live in freedom and peace. Many would never return,” he recalled.
Before the speech of Charles IIIhis eldest son and heir, the Prince William, also asked to remember “mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters who saw their loved ones go into battle, without knowing if they would ever return.” “Today we remember the bravery of those who crossed this sea to liberate Europe. Those who managed to Operation Overlord was a success. And those who waited for his return safe and sound,” he said.
The commemorations in Portsmouth began with a musical performance and a flyover of two Dakota military transport planes, used by the Allies during World War II.
The Prince of Wales took his place in the royal box alongside former combatants and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labor leader Keir Starmer.
The event, which was moderated by the actress Helen Mirrenalso featured dances from the late 1940s and songs, including the famous “We will meet again” by Vera Lynn, as well as testimonies from those who participated in the operation. Furthermore, in his message to the attendees, Sunak He asked not to forget and honor “the courage and sacrifice” of those who died in the conflict. “And we must rededicate ourselves to the moral cause for which they fought and died 80 years ago: the cause of freedom and democracy,” he said.
(With information from EFE)
