We will remember them

David Jones on how we remember those who made that ultimate sacrifice

THE 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings has been a reminder to us of the tremendous sacrifice made by the Allied soldiers on the beaches of France 75 years ago this month.

The moving tributes from world leaders and the great wave of respect and honour given to those who died and the many injured and traumatised were moving, genuine and sincere.

All spoke on behalf of all the Allied nations and were so right in their declaration that the sacrifice of the thousands who died and were injured gave the generations that followed a great legacy of freedom and liberty.

Then there was the tribute of those veterans who made their way to France to honour their fallen comrades.

They saw sights of carnage and death that to us are unimaginable. Now in the frailty of their years these heroes spoke with such dignity and compassion of their comrades who never returned home. As one said: “I was lucky, I survived – I’m not a hero, they were.”

Such respect and loyalty reflects the comradeship and brotherly love that are the hallmarks of true heroism.

All were heroes that D-Day and we who were able to share in this commemoration through the TV coverage have much to ponder. We saw what heroes are made of, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who survived to tell their stories of such bravery and courage.

Two world wars and every conflict since have meant great sacrifice of so many for the sake of others.

How true the words of Jesus: “No one can have greater love than to lay down his life for his friends.” So with quiet gratitude and thanksgiving we remember those who made that ultimate sacrifice and who stood up to the evil and treachery that would have engulfed the Europe of their day and indeed for generations to come.

This anniversary will, no doubt, be the last for many of those veterans gathered at Normandy these last few days. It is right to have remembered and be even more inspired to ensure that we do not allow their sacrifice to have been in vain as we always seek the ways of peace and reconciliation.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”