Residents and staff at Hickathrift House Care Home in Marshland St James commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings by sharing personal memories and participating in community events.
To honour the largest combined land, air and naval operation in history, Hickathrift House Care Home marked anniversary of landings on the beaches of Normandy - the start of the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied north-west Europe - with the lighting the lamp of peace.
The ‘Lamp Light Of Peace’ is a traditional oil lantern. Its ruby red colouring represents the ultimate sacrifice made by brave men and women across the globe.
As the general manager, Paula Colman, lit the flame, the residents and staff took a moment to reflect on their bravery and honour. The light represents the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the darkness of war.
The home was decorated in red, white and blue and residents and staff dressed up in their 1940s-inspired landgirl outfits and enjoyed a lovely afternoon reminiscing with memorabilia while singing along to Vera Lynn.
It was especially poignant for those residents who experienced D-Day. Dorothy, a resident, recalls being in London when Winston Churchill made the announcement about the invasion and celebrating in the streets with hundreds of others.
Residents and staff attended the D-Day Summer Fair at Walpole St Andrew’s Church a few days later. The celebration included themed music, military vans, fair games like Coconut Shy and refreshments.
Margaret, another resident, said: “The military vans bring back several memories from long ago. We must keep the memories of those who fought alive and also think about those involved in conflicts around the world today. Thank you to the team for preparing such a lovely tribute.”
Paula said: “D-Day is such an important day in history, and commemorating the event allows us to think about lives that have been lost, and remind us of the people still putting their lives on the line.”
