Letter: Portsmouth remembers D-Day
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.Sir: Where there is celebration, let there be whinging and sanctimonious cant.
'The Church of England is best placed to lead (D-Day commemoration activities)', says your leading article (19 April). Really]
Have we who were alive then forgotten that there were service deaths also on VE Day and VJ Day? On 6 June 1944, there was general exhilaration that, although Rome had just fallen, Normandy was the first massive opportunity for the West to move towards victory in contintental Europe.
Of course, there should be recognition of the pain and sacrifice on 6 June, but why not celebration of the incredible achievement? Even a street party, if someone wants one.
Let there be commemoration and celebration, too, on the 50th anniversary of VE and VJ days, with Germans and Japanese included. No vainglory, but an acknowlegement of human endeavour in one of the few justifiable wars, and with the slim hope that, through publicity, youth can learn something of human aspiration and co-operative success through balanced history.
Yours faithfully,
PETER LEEDS
London, SW3
20 April
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments