Published Monday 3 June 2024 at 13:05
On Thursday 6 June, two events will be held in the borough to signify 80 years since D-Day.
D-Day was a huge turning point in World War Two. Beforehand, the Allied troops had no access to Western Europe. But after this victory, they had a way to send troops to fight back against the Germans and start to free countries like France and Belgium, which had been occupied by the Nazis. Ultimately, it allowed the Allies to take the war to Germany and defeat them in Berlin.
Two civic ceremonies to mark this historical event will take place in Blackburn and Darwen as follows:
At 11.00 in Blackburn Town Hall Square, the new Mayor Brian Taylor will welcome officers, representatives of the armed forces, school children and the public to a flag raising ceremony. A poem will be read by Brayden Hartley – marketing and communications apprentice at Blackburn with Darwen borough council; and the Ceremonial flag will be raised, followed by two minutes silence. A prayer will then be delivered by the Dean of Blackburn Cathedral, The Very Reverend Peter Howell-Jones.
In Darwen Town Hall Market Square, also at 11.00, Deputy Mayor Jacquie Slater will be providing a welcome to the ceremony. A poem will be read by a pupil from Darwen Vale High School, and the Deputy Mayor will pass the flag to a uniformed flag party personnel to be raised. Following two minutes silence, a prayer will be delivered by Reverend Alison Mitchell from St Peter’s Church in Darwen.
The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen borough council, Councillor Brian Taylor said:
To celebrate 80 years since D-Day is hugely significant. We are here today because of the bravery that our troops showed then and we should take the time to honour our veterans and remember those who lost their lives.
I hope many of you will choose to join the Ceremonies held at Blackburn Town Hall or Darwen Town Hall; to show your respects.
Members of the public are welcome to attend either ceremony outside Blackburn Town Hall or Darwen Town Hall at 11.00 on Thursday 6 June.