Day Of Days

This year marks the 79th anniversary of thousands of soldiers leaving the shores of Cornwall to take part in the D-Day invasion of Europe during the Second World War, they were part of the massed assault by the Allies on the beaches of Normandy.
On the eve of the invasion landing craft were concealed on the Roseland or on the Fal and Helford Rivers, filled with anxious men preparing to face the enemy at Omaha Beach.
One place where part of one of the large concrete loading aprons can still be seen is at the beach at the end of Trebah Gardens. Looking out on the Helford River, it was the place where members of the US 29th Infantry Division boarded their ships.

Omaha Beach, 3000 US Servicemen, killed, wounded, missing or captured.

That’s why today members of the military, veterans and veterans charities gathered to remember the sacrifice of those who gave all and those who gave some 79 years ago.
Entertained by a pipe band and a choir before a pasty lunch the morning was spent catching up with old friends. Unusually five of us went, Mrs S, Sam, Josh and Paddy enjoyed the day as well as friends Steve and Tina.
I particularly liked the scattering of Poppy petals, picked in the fields at Normandy, brought to Cornwall and scattered by children. (Main Picture)
Following the service there was more from the pipe band and a different choir whilst enjoying a cream tea - jam first!

We slipped away before the ceremonial sunset ceremony in order to get home, collect my welding set with the mask and rods and head up to the rugby club to make and weld new crossbar brackets to the posts. Just Josh and I, Mrs S, Sam and a very tired Paddy stayed home.

Long Day - Tired and with more to come tomorrow.