On 6th June 2024 Harleston joined the nation in commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a wide range of activities.
The day started at 10.00am with the town crier calling people to gather at the War Memorial and we were welcomed by the Harleston & District Branch of the Royal British Legion. A D-Day prayer was offered and a tribute paid to the Harleston solider Edward Jack Warden with wreaths being laid. During the memorial we welcomed teachers and pupils from Harleston Sancroft Academy who recited the French poem ‘Chason d’automne’, followed by an English translation, and later the D-Day Hero’s poem. The last post was played and we held a minutes silence to remember.
After this poignant commemoration in town the museum was open offering visitors the chance to explore and learn more about our local history and many of you enjoyed fish and chips for lunch, including our schools.
At 9.00pm our attention was drawn once more to the War Memorial where we gathered for the Town Council Chair’s reading of ‘The International Tribute’ and lighting of the lamp of peace. It was a fitting tribute and way to finish our 80th Anniversary D-Day commemorations.
