Veterans to Attend D-Day Commemoration
New Zealand veterans who served in Europe will attend commemorations in Normandy, France to mark the 70th anniversary of
New Zealand’s involvement in the D-Day landings.
The nine veterans, aged between 89 and 97, will attend the British-led Thanksgiving Service at the Bayeux Cathedral, the
Commemorative Service in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) Cemetery Bayeaux and the French-led International
Commemorative Service at Sword Beach.
Although no New Zealand ground troops were involved in the Allied landings at Normandy, France on 6 June 1944, many were
involved elsewhere aiding the landings in the air as part of the Royal Air Force and at sea, through the Royal Navy and
the Merchant Navy. New Zealanders were also involved in the build-up to and aftermath of the D-Day landings
All veterans have been medically assessed to ensure they are fit to travel and participate in the commemorative events
in France.
The delegation will travel to Normandy, by Royal New Zealand Air Force Boeing 757. All international travel,
accommodation, on-ground transport, and medical costs for veterans are being funded by Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand.
ENDS