The 6th of June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

In 1944 Allied forces mounted the largest amphibious invasion the world has ever witnessed; Operation Overlord, D-Day, saw over 5,000 ships and landing craft set down more than 150,000 troops on five Normandy beaches in an action that would bring about the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi occupation.

In order to celebrate the peace and freedom given to us through the bravery and sacrifice of those involved in D-Day, beacons will be lit across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories. I hope your community will join us.

We are asking villages, towns, cities and organisations of all sizes to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day by lighting a beacon at 9.45pm on 6th June 2024, followed by an event to commemorate one of the most momentous achievements in living memory. Your event could be devoted to raising valuable funds for The Royal Naval Association, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and The Merchant Navy Association.

Download the Guide to Taking Part here.

It is our country’s opportunity to remember the 210,000 Allied casualties of Operation Overlord. This includes nearly 37,000 ground forces and 16,000 air forces killed in the invasion of Normandy’s Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches, as well as the long and bloody campaign that followed.

We plan to light beacons on all five beaches to remember those who were involved in Operation Overlord.