OKEHAMPTON will mark the enormous courage of the D-Day veterans with a short parade, religious service and tea dance this Sunday afternoon (June 6).
Following the short parade by Normandy veterans from Fore Street, along Market Street to Red Lion Yard, a religious service will be conducted by the Rev Stephen Cook.
At the end of this service, a commemorative plaque in Red Lion Yard will then be unveiled by veterans and Brigadier RAP Cary, Commander 43(Wessex) Brigade.
The tea dance, which many veterans, their families and friends will attend, will feature music of the 1940s and will run in the Charter Hall from 4 pm until 8 pm.
A draw will be held during the tea dance to raise money for the Radio Devon Chestnut Appeal. Organized by Les King, a member of the Okehampton Branch of the Royal British Legion, prizes include an assortment of local cheeses donated by Taw Valley Creamery, wines, chocolates and splendid wrist watches. Draw tickets are available at the door on Sunday afternoon.
It is hoped that, unlike the weather for the Normandy landings of sixty years ago, the elements will be kind to the outdoor commemoration ceremony planned for Okehampton, although regardless of the conditions, the short parade will still go ahead. However, the religious service, to be conducted by the Rev Cook, would then be held in the Charter Hall.
The Okehampton event is being held simultaneously with the grand gathering on the beaches of the Normandy landings of some tens of thousands of veterans from all the allied nations.
It is an occasion for the people of West Devon to show their appreciation for the sacrifice made by so many on our behalf sixty years ago.
l See story on page 52.