D-Day 80: Veterans light ‘peace lamp’

A lamp representing ‘the light of peace’ has been lit at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe, as part of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

It was one of several events which took place at the Home on 6 June to mark the anniversary of the Normandy invasion, which laid the foundations for the Allied victory in WWII.

The lamp was lit by 91-year-old Richard Haven, who served in the RAF for 27 years, attaining the rank of Squadron Leader, and is now a Royal Star & Garter resident.

The charity provides loving compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. It also launched new services reaching out into the community.

The D-Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace represents the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war. While beacons were lit across the country and in Northern France on the day, residents at Royal Star & Garter in High Wycombe instead paid their tributes with the lamp.

As part of the D-Day commemorations, residents watched live coverage of the UK national commemorations from the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer, and observed a two-minute silence.

Staff also decorated the Home with bunting, flags and balloons, and dressed as 1940s service personnel and Land Girls. Later in the day there was live music from singer Liza Jazz and a tea party. Residents and staff also tucked into delicious D-Day cupcakes, made by caterers Signature Dining.

Reggie Ballos is the High Wycombe Home Manager. She said: “D-Day is an event which is very much remembered by the residents we care for. Many knew people that served in the war, and who took part or lost their lives on D-Day. The Light Lamp of Peace allowed the residents to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who were involved in the D-Day landings.”

The Home plans to light the lamp again on other significant dates, such as Remembrance.

Royal Star & Garter is welcoming new residents into its Homes. For more information on this, the new services it is running, or to work for the charity, go to www.starandgarter.org/hw

click here for more details or to contact Royal Star & Garter - High Wycombe