Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of D-Day with the Liberty Parade
To conclude the week of commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, 350 British vintage vehicles from World War II paraded through the streets of Bayeux for the traditional Liberty parade.
Carrying French and British flags, the public gathered in thousands to cheer on the traditional Liberty parade! The sound of “God save the queen” and “Vive la France” filled the air. Spectators were in awe of the tanks, motorcycles, jeeps, and British ambulances from World War II. A “pipe’band,” a bagpipe group, even opened the parade with music.
With cameras in hand, people captured the moment. Several vintage planes put on a show in the sky. Children excitedly waved at some of the vehicle owners, asking, “Mom, can we have the same car?” 6-year-old Damien pointed at a jeep.
All these vehicles came from the UK for the occasion, as part of the British D-Day week. Collectors proudly showcased their vehicles, expressing their pride in being there. “Look at these symbolic landscapes like the British cemetery in Bayeux or the Normandy Battle Museum, it’s magical,” said Jason, a Londoner in his jeep. “I wanted to be here to pay tribute to our compatriots who liberated Bayeux,” explained James from Liverpool.
Indeed, on Wednesday, June 7, 1944, at 10:30 am, the English soldiers of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry and the Essex Regiment retook Bayeux, the symbolic capital of the liberated territories until the liberation of Paris on August 25.
The Liberty parade takes place every 5 years, and for the first time, due to the European elections, the event was held on the southern ring road (Liberty Alley) of the first liberated city on the French mainland. “There is more space, you can see all the vehicles clearly, we are not all crowded together, it’s fantastic,” exclaimed a spectator. In total, 25,000 people attended the event.
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Biography:
Name: D-Day
Early Life: D-Day, also known as the Normandy Landings, was a pivotal moment in World War II on June 6, 1944, when Allied forces invaded Normandy, France, to liberate Europe from Nazi control.
Education: Not applicable
Career: The D-Day operation involved over 150,000 Allied troops landing on the beaches of Normandy, leading to the eventual defeat of the Nazis in Europe.
Notable Achievements: The successful invasion of Normandy led to the liberation of France and the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
Personal Life: Not applicable
Other Details: D-Day is remembered as one of the most significant military operations in history, marking the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe.