A D-Day Commemoration service celebrating the American Armed Forces during World War II is to be held on the Embankment in Dartmouth in early June.
The service and dedication will take place on Tuesday 6 June when a Memorial Stone will be dedicated on behalf of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) in the Town’s Royal Avenue Gardens.
The Monument commemorates the US Armed Forces who served in the UK during World War II. The annual D-Day Service on the Embankment at 11.00 am will come before the dedication. A Colour Guard will be provided from the USAF at Lakenheath Suffolk.
Following an extensive search for a suitable site in the UK, the American Battle Monuments Commission selected Dartmouth in the South Hams as the most suitable site. The US Navy, Marines and Army trained in the South Hams and many embarked from Dartmouth. The US Army Air Force, operating from UK bases, supported D-Day and beyond.
The Monument is the only one to be erected to recognise the sacrifice of American Armed Forces that were stationed in, fought from, or passed through the UK during WW II. It joins others monuments across the globe. Further details can be found on the ABMC website: https://www.abmc.gov/
Among the distinguished invited guests are the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, The High Sheriff, The Commissioner for the American Battle Monuments Commission, US Embassy personnel and Officers from the Britannia Royal Naval College. The event is open to the public.
Councillor Robin Springett, the Project Officer from Dartmouth Town Council, said: “This is an important event for the UK, Devon, the South Hams and Dartmouth. Its location recognises the significance of the area to US Armed Forces in WW II, and it is a great honour for Dartmouth to have been chosen. This event could not have been achieved without help from South Hams District Council staff, Dartmouth Green Partnerships, the Parish of Dartmouth, and of course Britannia Royal Naval College.”
