The James Paget University Hospital will join organisations nationwide in remembering the tens of thousands of people who gave service on D-Day 80 years ago.
On Thursday, 6 June, church bells will ring out, flags will be flown and beacons and lamp lights will be lit to mark the anniversary of the operation conducted by allied forces that brought about the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi occupation, helping secure the peace we enjoy today.
Among the hundreds of people nationwide conducting a lamp lighting ceremony on 6 June will be James Paget Corporate Lead Nurse Tracie Bitters and Hospital Armed Forces Advocate Chris Blyth.
Chris’ role will be to light the lamp while Tracie will read the International Tribute, written especially for the anniversary, which remembers all those involved in D-Day, including the brave doctors and nurses who cared for the wounded.
Tracie said: “I am proud to have been given such a key role on 6 June, representing my hospital as part of a nationwide event to remember those who served on D-Day.
“The anniversary gives people working in our hospitals and others across the country the opportunity to remember the doctors, nurses and support staff who cared for those service personnel injured during the war.
“In so many cases, they would have provided compassionate care at a time when they themselves were affected by the conflict, worried at the fate of their own loved ones serving in the armed forces, not knowing if they would return home.
“This is why it’s right to remember these selfless and dedicated healthcare staff on this anniversary, as well as paying tribute to those millions that paid the ultimate sacrifice in helping secure the freedom we all share today.”
The lamp will be one of hundreds lit across the country at 9:15pm, just as special Lights of Peace are lit on each of the five beaches in Normandy where the D-Day landings took place.
Another lamp will be lit on the hospital site at the Louise Hamilton Centre. Service veterans in the local community are invited to attend the lighting ceremony at the Centre from 8pm. Hot drinks and cake will be available.
