Combined D-Day and Falklands anniversary commemoration

Date published: 18 June 2019

A combined 75th D-Day and 37th Falklands anniversary commemoration took place in Heywood Memorial Gardens on Saturday 15 June.

The Falkland Islands flag was raised by Falkland veterans.

Five bespoke commemorative benches were installed by the Township and the whole town was honoured to have a D-Day bench unveiled by two D-Day heroes; Jack Cunnane who is patron of the Heywood Veterans Association and Eric Radcliffe, both recipients of the Legion of Honour from the French President.

A Falkland Island bench was unveiled by two Falkland Islands veterans and an RAF bench unveiled by an RAF veteran and commanding officer from the RAF Association.

Councillor Peter Rush, Chair of Heywood Township said: “I was very proud to represent Heywood Township, together with the Heywood Veterans Association who held a poignant and well attended combined commemorative service for the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the 37th anniversary of the Falkland Islands conflict in Heywood Memorial Gardens on Saturday 15 June 2019.

“Out of respect for the occasion, a lady from The Phoenix Centre baked bespoke cakes, which were decorated with poppies and a cross which were presented to the veterans.”

Christopher Harris, Chair of the Heywood Veterans Association said: “It was a very special day with very special guests, surviving veterans from the D-Day landings and our own veterans from the Falkland Islands War.

“We salute, honour and respect you all for your service to this country. Thank you, lest we forget.”

Councillor Peter Rush said: “We are a town very proud of our military history, which we recognise and respect at all times.

“The unveiling of these benches by the heroes is a fitting tribute, and by installing more bespoke commemorative benches we are completing the full set which is complementary to our Memorial Gardens. 

“I would like to thank all my township councillors for all their hard work to make this a special day.

“I was also honoured to have the D-Day and Falkland veterans there who made the day extra special. 

“I thank all the people of Heywood who came out to support us.”