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We will remember them - Norwich pays tribute on 75th anniversary of D-Day landings
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
A poignant tribute has been paid to those who were involved in the D-Day landings, 75 years after soldiers stormed the beaches.
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
Veterans and civilians came together at the ceremony, which was held on Thursday morning outside Norwich's war memorial opposite City Hall.
The Rev'd Dr Fiona Haworth at the D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
Thursday marked 75 years since troops landed on the coast of Normandy on June 6, 1944.
The Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Marian Prinsley and the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Vaughan Thomas laying a reef at the 75th D Day commemoration ceremony in Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
Wreaths were laid by Armed Forces representatives, along with the Lord Mayor of Norwich Vaughan Thomas and Clare Margaret Agnew, the Lady Agnew of Oulton and High Sheriff of Norfolk.
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
Veterans from various conflicts attended, including Ken Mason and David Johnson, veterans of the D-Day landings.
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
Speaking to those gathered, the revd Dr Fiona Haworth, assistant priest at St Peter Mancroft church, said: "Today we gather as veterans and their supporters, civilians and representatives of the Armed Forces of the Royal Family, and world leaders gather in Normandy.
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
"Seventy five years ago today in 1944, more than 150,000 troops arrived in Normandy to join the biggest seaborne invasion in military history.
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
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"It marked a decisive point in the Second World War, but came at a huge cost to all involved.
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
"Many died in the sea, on the beaches and in the subsequent campaign. Many were gravely wounded and many carry unseen wounds because of the horrors they encountered."
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
She said the invasion had eventually led to peace across Europe.
The Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Marian Prinsley and the Lord Mayor of Norwich, Vaughan Thomas laying a reef at the 75th D Day commemoration ceremony in Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
Michael Mizen, secretary of the Norfolk branch of the Royal Marines Association, said: "It's absolutely important to have these events. So many people have given their lives for the freedoms we take for granted today.
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
"It should still be important that these people are properly remembered."
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
After the service, copies of a book released by Norfolk's D-Day veterans in 2016, sharing their stories and photographs, were sold outside the Forum.
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
Since its publication three years ago, sales of the book have raised £3,000 for charities.
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
The service in Norwich was one of several planned across the county, including ones in King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth and North Walsham.
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
The D-Day commemoration ceremony outside City Hall, Norwich. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant
