On the morning of June 6 the Mayor joined the Lewes Town Crier at the War Memorial for a National Proclamation to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the D-Day landings.

As the Union Jack flag was raised above the Town Hall, a crowd had gathered to remember those who “pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today”.

This was the first engagement with the Town Crier of Lewes, Jon Borthwick, since a formalisation of his status as Lewes Town Crier, with Lewes Town Council sponsoring his membership of Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers.

After the proclamation, the Mayor invited the Town Crier for a celebratory cup of tea in the Mayor’s Parlour.

The full proclamation can be read below:

Oyez, Oyez, Oyez

Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France – an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics uniting brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces at the beginning of Operation Overlord.

By the day’s end, over one hundred and fifty thousand Allied troops had successfully stormed the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches to achieve a toehold in France.

In the weeks that followed, the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe from the unforgiving countryside of Normandy to the liberation of Paris two months later.

We should all remember and never forget the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved and use this Commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today.

God Save the King