VETERANS and residents across Basingstoke and Deane are being invited to join mayor Dan Putty to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The ceremony, which will take place at the Civic Offices on Thursday, June 6 from 10am, will include a short service, a minute’s silence and a commemorative flag raising.

Veterans and their families will be invited to meet the mayor immediately afterwards.

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The mayor said he is 'keen to hear from any residents who may have family members that took part in the D-Day landings in 1944', however, all veterans and their families are welcome to attend.

The D-Day landings in Normandy, France, were one of the most important military operations for the allied troops in the Second World War, changing the course of the conflict.

Cllr Putty said: “I am immensely proud to be leading the borough’s tribute to the brave souls who undertook this important, historic mission that directly impacted the outcome of the Second World War.

“Everybody is welcome to attend the short ceremony outside the Civic Offices. I will then host a tea party for veterans and their families.

“If you are a veteran, please contact the Mayor’s office to book your places for the tea party. I would particularly love to hear from any residents that had relatives that took part in the landings, to hear their stories and to reflect on their bravery.”

The UK will mark the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings on June 6, 1944 with a series of commemorations and events across the UK and in France.

If you are an armed forces veteran or are related to a D-Day veteran, please email mayoralcoordinator@basingstoke.gov.uk by Friday, May 31, to arrange to attend the event.