Beacons lit across Cumbria to mark 80th anniversary of D-Day

D-Day was the beginning of the allied forces liberation of Nazi occupied France with British forces playing a key role within the operation.

56,000 troops landed on the beaches in Normandy in the largest seaborne invasion in history. 4,415 allied troops were killed that day, with approximately 9,000 wounded or missing.

The lighting of beacons was the culmination of a day of commemoration with church services and events taking place across the county in remembrance of the sacrifice.

In Brampton, the local Parish Council arranged events to participate in the 80th anniversary commemorations which were well attended by townspeople according to local resident, Paul Grindley.

Cadets in attendance at the beacon lighting in Brampton (Image: Paul Grindley) At 9am on Brampton joined the rest of the country to raise the Official D-Day 80 ‘Flag of Peace’ and start a day of commemorations. The flag of peace will be flown from the Moot Hall for 7 days.

At 9.10pm The International Tribute was read out at the Moot Hall by two members of the Brampton Detachment Cumbria Army Cadet Force who were introduced by the leader of the Parish Council, Jenni Errington.

Then at 9.15pm the Lamp of Peace was lit at the Moot Hall. The light from the flame represents the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war, The lantern will then be lit at 11am on every Remembrance Sunday thereafter.

The Lamp of Peace was lit at the Moot Hall, Brampton (Image: Paul Grindley) In Carlisle, an evensong was held at Carlisle Cathedral at 5.45pm and then, at 9.15pm, a beacon was lit at Carlisle Castle.

Rocket Theatre were present singing World War Two songs with cadets and members of the public in attendance.

Tributes were also paid by parliamentary candidates. Labour candidate Julie Minns said: “Today has been about commemorating people who lived and died 80 years ago.

“People we knew and those we did not. People to whom we owe a debt than can never be repaid. People who fought for our democracy.

“I hope today we have given all those who served, the respect and gratitude due to them.”

READ MORE: D-Day 80th anniversary: Carlisle honours those who fought

Conservative candidate for Carlisle, John Stevenson said: “I pay tribute to a remarkable generation.

“Thousands displayed enormous heroism, thousands paid the ultimate sacrifice & thousands of families were affected.

“It is thanks to them that we have our freedom today.

“We will remember them.”