Residents and dignitaries turned out in East Cowes last night (Thursday) for the lighting of the D-Day commemorative beacon and a reading of The Tribute – something taking pace in many locations across the country at the same time.
Our thanks to Allan James Marsh for use of his photos of the event and to Councillor Love for sharing his thoughts below.
D-Day exhibition
There is currently a superb exhibition at East Cowes Heritage Centre commemorating the Island’s involvement in D-Day, 6th June 1944.
Councillor Love explained that there was a secret military base in East Cowes where thousands of Canadian troops were based, between Wootton and East Cowes, with Norris Castle being in the headquarters for the Canadian forces.
He added that as D-Day approached there were lots of sightings and pictures taken of tanks and manoeuvres underway on the Island, especially at Osborne and Thorness Bay.
You can learn much more about the Island’s involvement by visiting the East Cowes Heritage Centre.
Love: Use your vote to honour those who fought for freedom
Councillor Karl Love, ward councillor for East Cowes and Chairman of the Isle of Wight council, told News OnTheWight.
“11 members of my family gave their lives for our today, in two World Wars, for our democracy, freedom and way of life.
“This is why your vote in the forthcoming election is so important, casting it in honour for our freedom, diversity, beliefs and the price paid in defending that freedom of speech and way of life.”
