2019 marks an important moment in the commemorative calendar as the nation’s attention shifts from WW1 to more recent anniversaries, almost all involving veterans still living within UK communities. Find an overview of the planned events for the year below:
Monte Cassino 75
11 May at National Memorial Arboretum
This year we will be remembering the heroism, courage and collaboration of the over 200,000 Allied and Commonwealth forces, who came from all corners of the earth, to fight in the battles of Monte Cassino and the Italy Campaign.
On Saturday 11 May, The Royal British Legion will hold an event to mark the 75th anniversary of the start of the final battle of Monte Cassino and commemorate the wider Italy Campaign at the National Memorial Arboretum.
For more information, please click here or email commemorative.events@britishlegion.org.uk
Berlin Blockade 70
12 May on IWM Duxford
The Berlin Blockade (24 June 1948 to 12 May 1949) was one of the first major international crises of the Cold War. At one minute after midnight on 12 May 1949, the Soviets lifted their barricades and restored access from West Germany to Berlin. A British convoy immediately drove through, and the first train from the West reached Berlin at 5:32 that morning.
The Royal British Legion will be organising an event in the UK, at the IWM Duxford on Sunday 12 May to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Berlin Blockade.
For more information please click here or email commemorative.events@britishlegion.org.uk
D-Day 75
6 June
6 June marks the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings – one of the most remarkable Allied wartime operations. On 6 June, the Legion will be organising events at Bayeux Cathedral and Bayeux Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Cemetery in France.
The Royal British Legion is also working with the UK Government and other stakeholders to plan significant commemorations to mark D-Day 75 across the United Kingdom, including events in Portsmouth on 5 June.
For more information please click here or contact dday75@britishlegion.org.uk
OP BANNER 50
14 August on National Memorial Arboretum
On Wednesday 14 August, The Royal British Legion will hold a commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 50th anniversary of the UK Armed Forces’ deployment on operations in Northern Ireland – the longest campaign in British military history.
Centred on the Armed Forces Memorial, the ceremony will seek to honour the service and sacrifice of veterans from both the military and the emergency services.
For more information please click here or email commemorative.events@britishlegion.org.uk
