a group of soldiers walking in a line with their weapons
Dear John,
Today, the 80th anniversary of D-Day, is a moment for reflection, honour, and renewed commitment to the principles for which so many sacrificed their lives.
On June 6, 1944, the beaches of Normandy bore witness to an unprecedented display of courage, determination, and sacrifice as Allied forces launched a massive assault to liberate Europe from the grip of Nazi tyranny.
D-Day was the largest amphibious invasion in history, involving over 156,000 Allied troops, thousands of ships, and aircraft. It was a day marked by extraordinary acts of heroism. Soldiers stormed the beaches under relentless enemy fire, paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines to secure vital positions, and naval and air forces provided crucial support. These individuals faced harrowing conditions and overwhelming odds, driven by a profound sense of duty and their belief in a better world.
Watching interviews with D-Day veterans on TV this morning was a truly humbling experience. Men who did more than anyone should be asked to do, still riven with guilt for not being able to do more to save lost friends. Women who defied the norms and expectations of the time to carry out roles vital to the success of the operation. Heroes, all.
As we honour these brave souls, we must also remember why they fought. The liberation of Europe was not just a military victory; it was a triumph of democratic values over the forces of oppression and hatred. The sacrifices made on D-Day were in defence of freedom, justice, and human dignity—principles that form the bedrock of modern democratic societies.
By remembering D-Day, we pay tribute to those who gave their lives and reaffirm our commitment to the ideals they fought to protect. Memorials, ceremonies, and educational programs serve as powerful reminders of the cost of freedom and the enduring importance of safeguarding it. Nigel Farage says there is a lack of awareness of D-Day among young people, but he says little about the lack of trust and confidence they have in the democracy those veterans fought to protect…or about his role in causing that.
Today, as we face the rise of authoritarianism and threats to democracy around the world, the lessons of D-Day are more relevant than ever. Modern-day authoritarians seek to undermine democratic institutions, erode civil liberties, and sow division. In this context, the legacy of D-Day calls upon us all to be vigilant, to stand united, and to actively defend the democratic principles that were so valiantly upheld in 1944.
Just as the Allies joined forces to confront a common enemy, we too must collaborate across communities and political divides to protect our democratic institutions. This means staying informed, participating in civic life, and holding our leaders accountable. It also involves defending free and fair elections, an independent press, and the rule of law—cornerstones of democracy that in recent years have been undermined by Farage, Johnson, Rees-Mogg, Braverman and many others.
As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, let us not only honour the past but also look to the future with resolve. The sacrifices made by the D-Day veterans implore us to continue their fight in our own time. We owe it to their memory to remain steadfast in our defence of democracy and to ensure that the freedoms they secured endure for generations to come.
In their memory, let us commit to being the guardians of the values they held dear, standing firm against the forces that threaten to destroy our democracy. If we can find within ourselves just a fraction of the bravery and the brilliance of those veterans, we, too, will be victorious.
All the best,
Mark Kieran
CEO, Open Britain
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