D-Day commemorations begin as the town honours pivotal moment in history
By Deborah Bowyer 6th Jun 2024
Sandbach's D-Day commemorations are up and running with a proclamation at the War Memorial and raising of the flag.
A small crowd gathered to hear Sandbach's new town crier, Dave Hypson, perform his first event at 8.30 am today (Thursday).
He said: "Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France – an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics uniting brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces ...
"By the day's end, over one hundred and fifty thousand Allied troops had successfully stormed the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches to achieve a toehold in France.
"In the weeks that followed, the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe from the unforgiving countryside of Normandy to the liberation of Paris two months later.
"We should all remember and never forget the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved and use this commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today."
Dave has taken over as town crier from Dennis Robinson who stepped down at Sandbach's Day of Dance last weekend after more than 40 years in the role.
A flag was raised outside Sandbach Town Hall at 9am alongside flags all over the town from Cheshire East's HQ Westfields in Middlewich Road to Sandbach fire station and Wheelock.
Sandbach Mayor, Councillor Ann Nevitt said: "As we stand here today, let us pledge to keep their legacy alive, ensuring the lessons of D-Day are passed down to future generations.
"Their sacrifices must never be forgotten and their stories must continue."
At 11am schools take part in a national reading of the 'D-Day Heroes' poem and then at 6.30pm St Mary's Church in Sandbach will be ringing the bell
There is then a fish and chip supper at 7 pm honoring the importance of fish and chips during WII.
They were never rationed during the war and legend has it paratroopers called out 'fish' behind enemy lines and hopefully getting the reply 'chips'.
At 9 pm, there will be a small parade from Sandbach Town Hall to the Cobbles before a two-minute silence at 9.12 pm and then a beacon lit at 9.15 pm and a reading of the International Tribute by seven young people of Sandbach.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to take their fish and chips to eat on the Cobbles, ahead of the beacon lighting ceremony.
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