City MP Stephen Morgan has called on the government to ensure Portsmouth is prioritised for the D-Day80 national commemorations set to take place in 2024.
The National Commemorative Event to mark the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings, attended by The Queen, The Prince of Wales and Heads of Government and Representatives of Leaders of the Allied Nations, took place in Portsmouth in 2019.
Mr Morgan wrote to the Defence Secretary this week asking their Department to not forget about Portsmouth as a host for the D-Day80 national commemorations.
The City MP said next year’s anniversary provides a unique opportunity for our country to come together, honour all D-Day Veterans including those that are still with us, as well as pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Mr Morgan added that there would be “no more fitting place” to do this than in Portsmouth, the home of The D-Day Story and the place where the operation sailed from all those years ago.
In response to a recent parliamentary question from Mr Morgan on whether the Government plans to commemorate D-Day80 in Portsmouth in 2024, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families wasn’t able to confirm any details.
Commenting, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said:
“Next year we will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, providing an opportunity to pay tribute to those whose incredible courage and sacrifice on the beaches of Normandy marked a turning point in the Second World War and provided the freedom and peace we enjoy today.
“I can think of no more fitting place to do this than in Portsmouth, the home of The D-Day Story and the place where the operation sailed from all those years ago.
“I’ve written to the Defence Secretary to ensure our city isn’t forgotten in next year’s plans so that we all have the opportunity to honour all D-Day Veterans including those that are still with us, as well as pay our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”
Mr Morgan recently tabled a parliamentary question to the Minister asking whether their Department plans to commemorate D-Day80 in Portsmouth in 2024. He has a long track record of raising issues affecting service personnel, veterans and their families in Parliament to ensure a better deal from the Government.
