D-Day altered the course of history and in commemorating the 80th anniversary, Ripon will join towns and cities across the UK in remembering the resilience and fortitude of those who played a crucial role in this pivotal moment of the Second World War. The invasion claimed the lives of thousands of allied soldiers. These brave individuals —many just teenagers—left their families and their futures behind to liberate Western Europe from the grip of the Nazis. We give thanks to God for those who courageously gave their lives, and pray that inspired by them, the leaders and peoples of the nations will work together for peace with justice.

Events to mark D-Day include:

• Special prayers during services and on the hour.
• Ripon Community Poppy Project’s life-size Churchill AVRE Tank outside the cathedral
• 80th Anniversary of D-Day & 75th Anniversary of the Royal Engineers Freedom of the City Concert in the cathedral from 7pm.
• The Lighting of the Beacon Ceremony with Jack Churchill, the great grandson of Sir Winston Churchill, on the cathedral forecourt at 9.15pm.
• A special Sung Eucharist on Sunday at 10.30am including installation of the Mayor of Ripon.