Portsmouth D-Day commemorations go online for 76th anniversary

COMMEMORATIONS for D-Day are set to go online in Portsmouth.
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To mark the 76th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, a service will be broadcast live on the D-Day Story Museum’s Facebook page at 11am on Friday, June 6.

It will be led by Father Bob White, from St Mary's Church, Portsea, who is also Chaplain to the Royal British Legion.

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While this year’s commemorations will look different to last year’s event attended by world leaders, the virtual ceremony is just one of a number of initiatives being hosted by the D-Day Museum to ensure the valiant efforts of the war generation are remembered.

The world's eyes were on Portsmouth during last year's commemorations as the Queen paid tribute to those who took part in the  D-Day landings.

 Chris Jackson/PA WireThe world's eyes were on Portsmouth during last year's commemorations as the Queen paid tribute to those who took part in the  D-Day landings.

 Chris Jackson/PA Wire
The world's eyes were on Portsmouth during last year's commemorations as the Queen paid tribute to those who took part in the D-Day landings. Chris Jackson/PA Wire
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Tomorrow at 10am, people can pay a virtual Facebook visit to the museum as historians unveil objects from the museum’s collection and the stories behind them.

Volunteer experts will also be taking people back in time as they share their memories about the importance of remembering D-Day.

As part of the online initiative the museum is asking the public to share their pictures, memories and images from last year's week long D-Day 75 commemorative and celebratory events when the world’s attention fell on the city.

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While D-Day veterans are unable to attend this year’s commemorations in person both the council and museum felt it imperative their efforts were not forgotten.

Deputy leader at Portsmouth City Council, Councillor Steve Pitt, said: ‘As we reflect on our history during these poignant times, it's more important than ever to remember the stories of those who gave us the freedom that we treasure.

‘We hope people will join us in marking D-Day 76 by sharing their images of D-Day 75 as we think about how different our commemorations in Portsmouth are this year but how vital it is to keep our veterans' D-Day stories alive.’

The Normandy Landings are synonymous with Portsmouth, which was the centre of the staging areas for D-Day and one of the main embarkation points for the troops who were assembled in camps in and around the city.

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Last year Southsea Common was transformed as 16 world leaders paid tribute to gathered D-Day veterans, including John Jenkins who died this year aged 100.

To share any photographs or stories email them to [email protected]

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