Torch of Commemoration stops in Manchester and Edinburgh

As the country prepares to mark the 80th Anniversary of D-Day in June, our Torch of Commemoration has been making some of its final stops before it sets sail for Normandy. 

We were delighted to host events at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester and at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. 

These events were a fantastic opportunity to engage the next generation with the history of the Second World War and the Invasion of Normandy. 

In Edinburgh, Scottish D-Day veterans LCpl. Cyril “Lou” Bird and Cpl. John Mitchell, who landed at Gold Beach and Juno Beach respectively during the operation, were in attendance alongside VIPs and dignitaries at the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle to mark this momentous occasion.

Commenting on the event, our local Public Engagement Coordinator, Elaine Edwards, said:

“The 80th anniversary of D-Day is a major opportunity for all generations to reflect on the sacrifices made by those involved in the landings, and the freedoms we all enjoy today. 

“Scottish forces played a vital role in the operation, so I’m very proud to have organised this poignant event of remembrance. 

“The passing of the torch by LCpl. Bird and Cpl Mitchell to cadet Harry Flintoff will symbolise handing over the responsibility of remembrance to the next generation, and I’m confident the Torch of Commemoration and this event will go some way to inspiring younger people to ensure D-Day will never be forgotten.”

In Manchester, the torch was passed to the local Air Cadet wing, representing the next generation of history lovers. This symbolic moment helps to build a connection between veterans and young people, ensuring that the stories and sacrifices of those lost in conflict are not forgotten. 

The event in Manchester coincided with the release of new polling data which found that 92 percent of people in the North West agreed that the commemoration of people who lost their lives in wartime is important, with a further 60 percent stating that they would like to learn more about important events such as D-Day.  

Our Head of Education and Engagement, Simon Bendry, said:

“We are so proud to be able to bring our Torch of Commemoration to Manchester. In its travels across the UK, our torch has helped spark conversations across generations, and helped us to begin reflecting on how we can keep the legacy of the sacrifices of D-Day alive as it, and events like it, fade from living memory. 

“These conversations matter as much now as they have for generations, and our polling data demonstrates just how important people in Manchester and across the North West think commemorating those who came before us is, and their desire to learn more about these key moments in our collective history.”

Lighting Their Legacy continues next week in Portsmouth, the final UK stop before the Torch of Commemoration begins its journey to France, ahead of the many D-Day 80 events that will be happening for the anniversary.