Three brothers who were all born on 6th June are discovering the significance of their birthday during the week of commemorations.
Twins Freddie and Frankie were born on the D-Day date in 2014 to the delight of their parents at the novelty of its historical connection.
Yet only a year later in 2015, a third brother, Archie, would be born on the exact date, becoming a celebrated and happy coincidence amongst the family.
The boys, who are today celebrating their 10th and 9th birthdays, have been enjoying a special Second World War themed day out with their Grandmother, Theresa Rowland.
The 60-year-old from Hertfordshire said “These are my D-Day boys. They were all born on the 6th June.”
The family were visiting the Imperial War Museum in Duxford for the D-Day themed Summer Airshow on Saturday June 1.
“It just seemed really fitting to come today, said Theresa.”
“They’re all interested in aeroplanes and just really excited to be here.”
“It’s great because we’re making memories today.”
Britain and it's allies are marking the 80th anniversary of the invasion in events in both France and the UK.
The largest amphibious landing in history, some 20,000 men under British command died fighting the battle of Normandy.
“Not only is it their birthday, but they’re born on a special day and it’s going to be special with the 80th anniversary as well," the Grandmother added.
Alongside Spitfires and Thunderbolts flying in the show, the boys took the chance to inspect the enormous B-17 ‘Memphis Bell’, Britain's only airworthy flying fortress, based at the Cambridgeshire Museum.
“Look how big the wings are,” Frankie says, scanning the aircraft.
“It’s exciting to see the planes taking off and landing because they are from the wars before,” said Archie. “It’s really interesting to see.”
His older brother Frankie, however, was keen to see “all the guns from the war.”
When asked if boys love areoplanes they nodded their heads emphatically.
Despite their young age, the importance of their birthday date in history was not lost on the youngsters.
“D-Day is when the soldiers went to war,” said Freddie. “That's why our birthday is a special day.”
Groups of reenactors patrol the former airbase interacting with members of the public and teaching them about the war history.
Adam Kendall, Head of Commercial Services at IWM Duxford, said “We want people to come to the airshow and have a really great day out.”
“We also hope they understand a little bit more about the Second World War and are keeping those memories alive.”
