On June 6, 1944, the largest naval, land and air operation in history when 160000 Allied forces landed in Nazi-occupied France at Normandy, signaling the beginning of the end of World War II.

Orfordness Lighthouse in camouflage, UK, 1944

 

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of this historic day, Trinity House, the General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales the Channel Islands and Gibraltar, has staged a series of events which culminate on this day.

 

Called “Lighting Their Legacy,” the flames of commemoration, the D-Day Torch, have been passed from veterans to young people, handling over the responsibility for the memories of World Wars to younger generations. These flames began in Canada and made their way across the United Kingdom to Trinity House and ending at Normandy on June 6.

 

Several UK lighthouses will join hundreds of other beacons of light as they participate in the event as well, including Cromer, Caldey, Lizard, Longstone, Lundy South, Peninnis, Start Point and Portland Bill lighthouses.

 

 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 (NIV Bible)

Portland Bill Lighthouse, UK