Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending the D-Day 82 Service of Remembrance in Normandy.
It was an incredibly moving occasion. More than eight decades on from the Normandy landings, the service brought together those gathered to remember the events of 6 June 1944 and the campaign that followed. It was a powerful reminder that the legacy of D-Day continues to resonate today.
The Normandy landings remain one of the most significant military operations in modern history. Many of those who took part knew the risks they faced. Thousands would never return home. Yet they carried on because they understood what was at stake and were prepared to make extraordinary sacrifices in the service of others.
For many years, D-Day was remembered by millions of people who had lived through the war themselves. Today, that generation is becoming smaller, which makes occasions like this all the more important. As direct memories of the war become less common, the responsibility falls to the rest of us to ensure that the stories, sacrifices and achievements of that generation are not forgotten.
One of the things that struck me most about the service was the sense of reflection it encouraged. Commemorations such as these are not simply about looking back at history. They are an opportunity to consider what those who served achieved, the price they paid, and the values they were defending.
Across North West Cambridgeshire, we are fortunate to have strong links to our armed forces community. From RAF Wittering, to the Army Reserve Centre in Woodston, and the many veterans and military families who live locally, service remains an important part of our area’s identity. It is a privilege to represent a constituency where that connection is still so deeply felt.
That local connection is one reason why remembrance remains so important. The service was a reminder that behind events which changed the course of history were individuals whose lives were shaped by them. Remembering that the human dimension is an important part of understanding what D-Day means today.
The lessons of D-Day are not only military. They are lessons about resilience, courage and the willingness to stand up to fascism in the face of immense danger. Those qualities remain worthy of reflection today.
Attending the commemorations in Normandy was a powerful reminder of the debt we owe to those who served. We remember the courage of all those who took part in the liberation of Western Europe, honour those who gave their lives, and pay tribute to the veterans whose service helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.
Their example continues to inspire us, and it is right that we continue to remember them.
We will remember them.