June 5, 2009

D-Day tribute - 25 simultaneous firework displays along the Normandy coastline

British veterans are taking part in a series of events in France on the eve of the 65th anniversary of D-Day.

Commemorations start with a parachute drop to mark the airborne phase of the Normandy landings that launched the beginning of the end of World War II.

Prince Charles and Gordon Brown will attend a ceremony alongside the French and US presidents.

In Asnelles around 80 children from London and the south east will plant flags in the beach with messages of thanks and talk to veterans about their experiences. Late on Friday evening there will be 25 simultaneous firework displays along the Normandy coastline followed by the illumination of Port Winston, a temporary harbour built by the British in Arromanches.