[News] Worthing Borough Council not officially commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D Day this Thursday

[Lenny Rider]

Obviously a number on here might agree with the decision, but given that 80 years ago a large number of Canadian servicemen who were billeted in the town throughout the conflict took part in the Normandy landings (and many didn’t return ) I think it’s a decision in retrospect some might come to regret they didn’t mark this historic event.

There’s been actually a monument on the promenade near Grand Avenue in honour of the Worthing based Canadian soldiers for over a decade, and Worthing itself has had many retired servicemen who fought in the operation, Little Nige Erskine’s late father John landed on Sword Beach as an 18 year old.

Without a past you cannot have a future

 

[Weststander]

At Parham last week they covered the history of Canadian servicemen there from 1941, I know through my Dad that many were based in Brighton too. Owed huge respect.

Why have that council not bothered?

 

[One Teddy Maybank]

Very poor….

 

[Questions]

Obviously a number on here might agree with the decision, but given that 80 years ago a large number of Canadian servicemen who were billeted in the town throughout the conflict took part in the Normandy landings (and many didn’t return ) I think it’s a decision in retrospect some might come to regret they didn’t mark this historic event.

There’s been actually a monument on the promenade near Grand Avenue in honour of the Worthing based Canadian soldiers for over a decade, and Worthing itself has had many retired servicemen who fought in the operation, Little Nige Erskine’s late father John landed on Omaha Beach as an 18 year old.

Without a past you cannot have a future

Omaha ? It was on Sword Ian. Oboe if I remember rightly.
But yes poor show from the council.

 

[Bold Seagull]

Obviously a number on here might agree with the decision, but given that 80 years ago a large number of Canadian servicemen who were billeted in the town throughout the conflict took part in the Normandy landings (and many didn’t return ) I think it’s a decision in retrospect some might come to regret they didn’t mark this historic event.

There’s been actually a monument on the promenade near Grand Avenue in honour of the Worthing based Canadian soldiers for over a decade, and Worthing itself has had many retired servicemen who fought in the operation, Little Nige Erskine’s late father John landed on Omaha Beach as an 18 year old.

Without a past you cannot have a future

I think West Sussex County Council have led on the events:

Preparations are underway to commemorate 80th anniversary of D-Day and mark West Sussex’s key role - West Sussex County Council

Events are being staged across West Sussex to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June and in recognition of the county’s role in preparations for the Normandy Landings.

www.westsussex.gov.uk

 

[PILTDOWN MAN]

Obviously a number on here might agree with the decision, but given that 80 years ago a large number of Canadian servicemen who were billeted in the town throughout the conflict took part in the Normandy landings (and many didn’t return ) I think it’s a decision in retrospect some might come to regret they didn’t mark this historic event.

There’s been actually a monument on the promenade near Grand Avenue in honour of the Worthing based Canadian soldiers for over a decade, and Worthing itself has had many retired servicemen who fought in the operation, Little Nige Erskine’s late father John landed on Omaha Beach as an 18 year old.

Without a past you cannot have a future

Agree it’s bad. Especially as so many in Sussex have Canadian blood . Most just wish they knew who from.

 

[PascalGroß Tips]

Just seen this post from Worthing BC. So they are doing 'something' but some of the comments have mentioned a beacon that should be lit.

 

[There'll never be another]

Lack of an official commemoration is very poor. We owe that generation our everlasting gratitude. Very humbling to read the stories of the handful of veterans who are still with us.

 

[Bold Seagull]

Just seen this post from Worthing BC. So they are doing 'something' but some of the comments have mentioned a beacon that should be lit.

Also being lit on Hove Kingsway

Lighting the darkness for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

On Thursday 6 June, we’ll be commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

www.brighton-hove.gov.uk

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Councils are really struggling for money so have to make hard decisions. Damned if they do, damned if they don’t.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

At Parham last week they covered the history of Canadian servicemen there from 1941, I know through my Dad that many were based in Brighton too. Owed huge respect.

Why have that council not bothered?

Newhaven have commemorations at the Fort this week.

 

[A1X]

Wait, so the council actually are doing something? But the thread title is so insistent.

 

[Weststander]

Newhaven have commemorations at the Fort this week.

Lovely museum. Sussex regiments stuff and a Cold War exhibition.

 

[Springal]

Wait, so the council actually are doing something? But the thread title is so insistent.

Even so why do the council need to organise it? Plenty of veteran charities and organisations could step in.

I was with the in laws in Norfolk this weekend and they are part of a committee in the village that does events. They’ve organised a subsidised afternoon tea, but it’s only really 50/60 year olds going. All the 70/80/90 year olds seemingly aren’t fussed

 

[Lenny Rider]

Omaha ? It was on Sword Ian. Oboe if I remember rightly.
But yes poor show from the council.

Amended Cyanide

 

[Lenny Rider]

Just seen this post from Worthing BC. So they are doing 'something' but some of the comments have mentioned a beacon that should be lit.

I had a Charities committee meeting with the Mayor, Ibsha Choudury, and he was quite upset neither of the beacons were being lit and he had no official civic D Day engagements

 

[keaton]

I had a Charities committee meeting with the Mayor, Ibsha Choudury, and he was quite upset neither of the beacons were being lit and he had no official civic D Day engagements

Could the mayor not organise something?

 

[Lenny Rider]

Could the mayor not organise something?

In his defence he's only been Mayor a week, he is a very junior member of a Labour ruling group who effectively want to abolish the Mayoralty, so a bit like the Germans we bashed on the beaches of Normandy 80 years ago he's only acting under orders.

Its almost an age thing with me now, and as dear old Graham Potter used to say "it is what it is", I read last night on the back of this news that apparently 52% of youngsters aged 18-35 in the UK don't know about D Day or its significance.

The ironic thing is, a small number of the Labour ruling group in Worthing have left the party and become Independents on account of them being confirmed Marxists.

The first people Adolf and co would have lined up against a wall and shot.......

Thank god for all the people who fought, and in some cases gave their lives, for freedom and democracy from 1939-45.

 

[Frutos]

Have you ever considered running for council @Lenny Rider?

You obviously have a great passion for local issues, and rightly so. Surely the best way to affect change would be from within?

 

[bhadebenhams]

I caught my Sydney this morning pushing a defused WWII mortar shell up his bottom. It shocked me at first and I was about to scream for a policeman but he told me it was practice for the 80th anniversary of D-Day so I forgave him.

Not sure why he was wearing stockings and suspenders whilst doing it but probably a show of solidarity for the French Resistance.

He‘s very patriotic is my Sydney.