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<p>The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is the lead Department for the Government’s National
UK D-Day 80<sup>th </sup>anniversary and is working across Whitehall and with external
stakeholders to lead a programme of official commemorations in the UK and in France,
ensuring our Normandy Veterans are the VIPs for this significant anniversary.</p><p>
</p><p>The UK’s National Commemorative Event in Portsmouth will once again highlight
this nation’s major contribution as a leading partner in the Western Alliance. The
programme will commemorate the service and sacrifice of all who fought under British
command on D-Day, by honouring our veterans, securing their legacy within our youth
and demonstrating the UK’s global role in defence and security alliances.</p><p> </p><p>The
official programme includes:</p><p> </p><p>UK:</p><p>A National Commemoration on Southsea
Common, Portsmouth on 5 June – an audience of 4,000 and live BBC One broadcast.</p><p>
</p><p>In France on 5 June:</p><p>A Royal British Legion service of commemoration
in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Bayeux War Cemetery, with up to
50 Normandy veterans present and 1,500 guests.</p><p> </p><p>A CWGC led Bayeux Cathedral
Service in partnership with the MOD for 1,000 guests.</p><p> </p><p>A CWGC and MOD
partnered BBC One live broadcast from Bayeux War Cemetery when all 4,144 graves will
be illuminated.</p><p> </p><p>In France on 6 June:</p><p>A National Commemoration
at the British Normandy Memorial in Ver sur Mer with up to 50 Normandy veterans present
and an audience of 2,500, live broadcast on BBC One. It is the first time, during
a major commemorative year, that this event will take place at the Memorial following
its official opening in 2021.</p>
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