Nigel has today spoken on the commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. Hundreds of British veterans of the landings have been joined in France by current service personal and members of the Royal Family ahead of the main commemoration tomorrow, at which 17 heads of state and government are expected to attend.
Speaking from the Ribble Valley this morning Mr Evans said, “It is vitally important that we continue to commemorate the sacrifice made by British soldiers to bring peace to the continent of Europe. Over 60,000 British service personal landed in Normandy on 6 June 1944, many of whom would have been from Lancashire. These were normal people who had to take part in an extraordinary operation and the survivors are now entering their twilight years. It is therefore more important than ever that we continue to appreciate publically and continue to support those who put their life on the line for our country. In that vein I am delighted to be undertaking a charity skydive on June 20th with proceeds going to the Army Benevolent Fund the Soldiers Charity, who give lifetime support to serving and retired soldiers and their families, and helping in some small way to provide assistance to those in real need.”