Abergavenny Town Council extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who turned up to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Thursday’s events were a remarkable success, with community members coming together to honour this significant moment in history.
The day commenced with an 8am reading of the D-Day 80 Proclamation, delivered with full ceremonial decorum. The proclamation, read by Principal Officer, Sandra Rosser in the presence of Mayor Cllr Chris Holland and Macebearer James Davis, set the tone for a day of reflection and community spirit.
At 11am, a short but poignant wreath-laying ceremony took place at the War Memorial on Frogmore Street. The ceremony, marked by the Last Post, provided a moment of solemn remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives.
In the afternoon, attendees had the opportunity to delve into Abergavenny’s involvement in D-Day and WWII. Interviews with veterans conducted by students from KHS, along with a display of artefacts from Monmouthshire Museums, offered a deeply educational experience, alongside an informative presentation delivered by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The evening celebrations kicked off with a lively performance by BM Jazz Katz, who entertained the crowd with American Swing and jazz classics. This was followed by sketches, musical pieces, and community sing-alongs led by A4B and accompanied by the Borough Band.
The day culminated in the lighting of the Beacon at 9:15pm, where the community welcomed in the Standards, Army Cadets and Veterans who paraded into the Town Hall. The Lamp Light of Peace ceremony consisted of the lighting up of the Mezzanine and Market Hall as well as the Clock Tower, and featured the reading of The Tribute by members of the community.
The evening was complemented by a variety of street food vendors from Monmouthshire Markets, ensuring there was something for everyone.
The Market Hall was transformed into an Air Raid Shelter complete with Sentry Box, leading into a welcoming space for the community to enjoy the festivities, with tables and chairs set up for comfort and convenience. The event’s success was a true reflection of Abergavenny’s vibrant and resilient spirit.
Mayor Chris Holland expressed his gratitude and pride in the community, stating, “The D-Day commemorations were a testament to the strength and unity of Abergavenny. I am deeply moved by the participation and support of our residents. Together, we honoured the legacy of those who served and reaffirmed our commitment to remembering their sacrifices. Thank you to everyone who made this day so special.”
The Town Council would like to extend special thanks to all the volunteers, performers, and participants who contributed to making the 80th anniversary of D-Day an unforgettable day of remembrance and commemoration.
