D-Day event in park scrapped
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.IN an embarrassing change of mind, the Government yesterday scrapped the much-derided Hyde Park 'event' celebrating D-Day.
The U-turn, slipped out in the form of a release from the National Heritage department, was timed for one of the busiest news days of the year, with attention focusing on the by-election aftermath, the Labour leadership contest, European elections and the Queen's Birthday honours.
Originally scheduled for 3 July, the jamboree was to have starred Dame Vera Lynn - 'the forces' sweetheart' - and to have included a fancy-dress parade and competitions recreating the atmosphere of 50 years ago.
When details emerged two months ago, veterans' organisations accused the Government of trivialising history. After Dame Vera said she was also worried it was too frivolous, the Prime Minister ordered a re-think.
Discussions between the Secretary of State for National Heritage, Peter Brooke, the Normandy Veterans' Association and the Royal British Legion, saw the plans toned down and the event postponed until 14 August. Commercial sponsorship had also proved difficult to attract. Now it has been cancelled completely.
Mr Brooke attributed the decision to the success of last weekend's ceremonies in Portsmouth and Normandy. 'The Government's objective was to raise awareness of what was achieved during the Normandy Campaign and pay a fitting tribute to campaign veterans. This has been achieved,' he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments