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2020-06-07 -Land of the Free

Perhaps we're all just supposed to forget about Pegasus Bridge

[Yorkshire Coast Radio] Coronavirus restrictions have meant the D-Day commemorations in Normandy have been the smallest ever, with veterans and their families unable to attend for the first time.

But despite events being muted this year by the COVID-19 pandemic, people have still found ways of marking the 76th anniversary of the allied invasion, which played a decisive role in the liberation of Europe in the Second World War.

In France, flags have been raised in solitary ceremonies and tributes left at the graves of the fallen on behalf of those unable to travel because of the coronavirus.

Back in the UK, alongside low-key socially distanced services of remembrance, two D-Day veterans completed a 104-mile charity cycling challenge to mark the historic landings, which paved the way for the downfall of Nazi Germany.

Len Gibbon set out on his test of endurance using a static bike machine on VE Day and has been notching up the miles each day.

The 96-year-old crossed the "finish line" with fellow Normandy veteran Peter Hawkins, 95, at 11.24pm on 6 June - the 76th anniversary of D-Day.

The 104 miles is the same distance as Mr Gibbon's historic journey from Portsmouth to Gold Beach, Normandy, in 1944.

Mr Gibbon lives at Care for Veterans, a charity in Worthing, West Sussex, which provides care and rehabilitation to physically disabled ex-service personnel and their families.

He has so far raised more than £6,000 for the charity.

Posted by Besoeker 2020-06-07 01:09|| || Front Page|| [15 views ] Top

#1 As told to me by Ron Drez, it actually happened a few years back:

The the tour guide was wrapping up his lecture at the bridge and one-by-one the group started heading to the bus. Suddenly an old man with a cane appeared and walked up to the tour guide. "Say young man, would you like a bit more on this Pegasus Bridge engagement." "Well yes" replied the guide, not wishing to be unkind. "But we're on a tight schedule and have yet another stop to make before lunch."

"Who are you sir" the guide asked? Well the old man replied, "my name is Major John Howard."

The guide quickly summoned the entire group back for an introduction and sit down.

Posted by Besoeker 2020-06-07 01:28|| 2020-06-07 01:28|| Front Page Top

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