Diss gets ready to mark 80th anniversary of D-Day
3 May 2024
Join families of veterans, local organisations, VIPs and members of the public at a special evening event in Diss Park on Thursday 6th June 2024 to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The town will fall silent as local organisations and groups honour the sacrifice and service of men and women on D-Day in 1944, the largest naval, air and land operation in history.
The event will start by the beacon at around 8pm with a local Cadet Force and Scout Group parade and drill display. Compered by the Salvation Army, there will be a D-Day commemoration followed by the Last Post, Reveille, and minute’s silence. Diss High School students will share a special poem before Diss Churches Together lead us in prayer and a hymn.
One of our VIPs, a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, will unveil the newly extended beacon, which will provide a tranquil seating area for reflection overlooking the Mere with panels depicting recent historic events including the late Queen Elizabeth II’s life and the King’s Coronation. A time capsule will be installed during the event.
At 9.15pm, the Diss beacon will be lit, whilst the International Tribute – commemorating D-Day and giving thanks for eighty years of peace and freedom - is read out. This poignant event, organised by Diss Town Council alongside the Royal British Legion, Salvation Army, Army and Air Cadets & Diss Churches Together, will conclude by 9.30pm with the national anthem.
