Memories of D-Day must be kept alive as Royal Yorkshire Regiment marches across the region
D-Day was a pivotal moment in the Second World War. It turned the course of history and ensured that large parts of the world would enjoy the freedoms that it too often takes for granted today.
Daphne Turner, who served in the Women's Royal Naval Service (Wrens) as a teleprinter operator in the war, says the nights and days around D-Day aren't just moments from history, they are memories.
And with the passing of generations, it is important that these memories are kept alive in the future. It is a baton to be passed on from generation to generation. Lessons to be learned, heroism to be celebrated and sacrifice to be honoured.
Veterans living at Anchor's Wetherby Manor care home are the embodiment of selflessness. Ivy May Farrell, who volunteered to serve in the Second World War, is now 101. When she first tried to enlist, she was turned away from the RAF for being too short. But she refused to give up, such was her sense of duty.
As veteran resident Bob Robinson says: "It’s incredibly important that we keep sharing stories and learning from the past to protect the future.”
Commemorating D-Day every year is one way of keeping their memories alive.
It is 20 years today that the Royal Yorkshire Regiment was formed. The regiment will be marching across the region over the next few days. It is a great source of pride for all those who have served and are serving in the regiment that these marches coincide with the anniversary of D-Day.
People across the region have an opportunity to show their appreciation for the regiment.