The Freedom of the Borough seems a particularly appropriate award for our Normandy Veterans as they were at the forefront of the fight for freedom in 1944.
For many of us, and certainly for our children and grandchildren, D-Day is simply a date in history. For those veterans who are here today it is very much a part of their lives. The actions they took and the sights they saw are still vivid memories and it is our responsibility to ensure those memories do not fade into history. Their actions, and the sacrifices made by their comrades, must always be remembered.
Although we record today giving the Freedom of the Borough to the Normandy Veterans Association, I feel we must also take time to salute the commitment, heroism and sacrifices made by all the British, Commonwealth, American and other allied forces not just in Normandy, but throughout the Second World War.
The Normandy veterans who are among us today can take pride in their valiant efforts which helped to bring the freedom and peace to Europe which is still enjoyed today. You can take pride in your actions, as we take pride in awarding you the Freedom of the Borough.
June 2004
