SEVERAL events have been organised across the borough to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
On 6 June 1944, D-Day, Allied troops landed on the coast of Normandy, which was the largest amphibious invasion in the history of warfare.
In what was the start of the campaign to liberate Europe and defeat Nazi Germany, tens of thousands of soldiers landed on the five beaches in Normandy, which resulted in thousands of fatalities and casualties on each side.
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With the military advance recognised as one of the turning points of World War 2, commemorative events have been organised up and down the country.
This includes Tyldesley where a special concert at St George's Church will raise money for the Royal British Legion on Wednesday, June 5.
With singer set to perform at the event, the concert has been organised by Independent Network councillor for Tyldesley and Mosley Common, James Fish.
An ‘80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings’ free event will also take place at Mesnes Park, Wigan on Saturday, June 8.
Starting at 10am, this will include a military vehicle showcase, entertainment, stalls and children’s funfair.
A military parade will start from the Cenotaph at 10.30am and make its way down Standishgate and into the park.
In Leigh, the annual Armed Forces Day free event is planned to take place around Civic Square on Saturday, June 29.
Starting from 11am, the day starts with a military parade at 11am from Civic Square, heading to the Cenotaph and back around to Civic Square, with music and entertainment, fun fair, stalls and military vehicles on show.
Gill Burchall, Wigan Council’s Armed Forces keyworker, said: “Marking D-Day and celebrating our dedicated Armed Forces communities is really important to us here in Wigan Borough.
“We hope that our communities will come out to join us to mark these important days in our calendar.”
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