Special beacon lighting ceremony in Maldon for D-Day anniversary

The event will take place on June 6 at the beacon in Promenade Park from 8.45pm when local historian and broadcaster Stephen Nunn will read a piece written for the commemoration, highlighting the sacrifices made by those from the Maldon district.

This will be followed by the reading of ‘A Nations Tribute’ by Kevin Lagan, chairman of Maldon District Council.

The reading will be conducted simultaneously across the country and afterwards the beacon will be lit at 9.15pm.

Sacrifices - Historian Stephen Nunn will be reading a specially written piece about the sacrifices made by those who took part in D-Day (Image: Submitted)

Mr Lagan said: “I would like to encourage the community to come together at this short ceremony to remember and honour the brave men and women who fought for freedom during World War II.

“This tribute will be part of the chain of beacons being lit across the country at the same time and date, as part of the nation's tribute.”

Mr Lagan will lay a wreath earlier in the day on the grave of Private Charles Argent who lies in Maldon Cemetery, having been returned home after dying in training.

D-Day, which took place on June 6, 1944, was a turning point in the war, with a ground force of more than 130,000 troops coming ashore on five beaches across a 50-mile stretch of Normandy coast.

There were 10,000 allied causalities by the end of D-Day and the ensuing Battle of Normandy lasted till August, leading to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

The lighting of the beacon will serve as a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who took part in the operation, with thousands of people never returning home,  including those from the Maldon district.

Everyone is welcome at the event.

Maldon District Council has warned there will be some loud bangs from maroons, which will be fired as part of the commemoration as well as an air-raid siren at the start and end of the short ceremony.