Appeal for veterans ahead of 80th D-Day anniversary
CIVIC EVENT BEING ORGANISED TO MARK THE NORMANDY LANDINGS
THE Scunthorpe branch of the Royal British Legion is appealing for any D-Day and other Second World War veterans to come forward.
June 6 this year will mark 80 years since Allied troops landed on Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword beaches and launched the liberation of western Europe. A civic event is provisionally planned on June 6 in Scunthorpe.
It comes after the council launched a special community funding pot for D-Day commemorations across North Lincolnshire.
Royal British Legion’s Scunthorpe branch is celebrating a record fundraising year in 2023. It has recently announced a record £59,000 raised for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in 2023. The funding raised through the appeal helps and assists ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen from all branches of the Armed Forces.
Local poppy appeal organiser Jon Jones said: “The community of North Lincolnshire through over 200 local businesses, local schools and the four major supermarkets of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda, really came together to support its military veterans last year.”
There were more than 50 volunteers not from the Royal British Legion itself that helped staff at its poppy appeal stands in the town.
“If you would like to volunteer in
Scunthorpe for the 2024 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, please contact Jonathan.Jones857@mod. gov.uk”
The local Royal British Legion, North Lincolnshire Council and mayoral office – the current mayor is Cllr Janet Longcake – are working together on a civic event to be held to commemorate the 80th D-Day anniversary.
Mr Jones appealed for any veterans from that time, who may be living in North Lincolnshire, to come forward.
“Separately, if you are aware of any veterans from WW2 and especially any who took part in the actual landings still living in our area, or would like to join the Royal British Legion branch in Scunthorpe, please get in touch via Scunthorpe. Chairman@RBLCommunity.”
North Lincolnshire groups have until January 22 to apply for up to £250 of North Lincolnshire Council community funding to support D-Day commemorations.
People are advised to email communitygrants@northlincs.gov. uk for an application form.
Completed application forms need to be returned by email or by post to Governance and Communities, Church Square House, Scunthorpe, DN15 6NL.