Fireworks to celebrate D-Day?

Yes AGAA4 I think the beacons are more tasteful. The end of the European war in May is more a firework occasion or the end of the war in the Far East in August.

DDay just reminds me of all those young men who sacrificed their lives.
I can understand the French celebrating their freedom but fireworks are too ostentatious for the occasion.

It seems that there are two sides to this. The commemoration which was the most important part of the events this week for us but for the French and other occupied countries, there is a celebratory element because for them it was the beginning of the end. For us, it was the beginning of massive loss of life, and a long hard slog to Germany. My father was part of that slog, on the front line in Belgium and Germany, culminating in him receiving life threatening injuries in the Reichswald Forest. He survived though, following surgery and months of recuperation.

Normandy tourism - from their website.
They had huge synchronised firework displays on the Landing beaches. Other, smaller displays, elsewhere thoughout the week.

"A UNIQUE EVENT
For this very special occasion, Normandy’s ambition is to offer a major family-friendly event, aimed at Normans and visitors alike, who have little or no access to official ceremonies. The date of Saturday 1st June, at nightfall, has been chosen for this event, on the weekend ahead of 6th June. Over 20 huge firework displays will light up the sky simultaneously over the 5 Landing Beaches. A beautiful family-friendly and free event."

Church bells ringing would have been more appropriate than fireworks. Fireworks are for parties and very wrong for remembering DDay.

I remember an upset elderly chap when I was on night duty on bonfire night. He said the noise brought his days of being under fire all back to him. The poor man was sheltering by his bed.
I think fireworks to commemorate D day are really innapropriate.

I agree. The losses on D Day are not to be celebrated.

I agree with beacons and bells and also think that fireworks is inappropriate.

Should a victory not be acknowledged

Beacons and bells sounds better to me.

I love fireworks but not, I think, for this.
A gun salute seems different.

1,500 beacons were lit across the country yesterday evening. Our miserable council in Reigate have a beacon in the main park but didn't bother to light it in respect for the veterans and those who gave their lives. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.

Church bells ringing is much more suitable than fireworks. I can't understand councils wasting money when so many are struggling to keep librarians and pools open.

Can't see the problem with people celebrating at the pub

Highly inappropriate imo......beacon lighting, yes, but fireworks and pub parties definitely distasteful, disrespectful and a disgrace! What an insult to the fallen!

Cabbie21

Apart from the usual problems of animals being frightened,
( especially given the lack of local publicity so pet owners could take precautions) the main concern was that this should be a time of remembering not celebrating. Money could be better spent supporting veterans.
I can appreciate all points of view. The big events at Portsmouth and in Normandy were well publicised, but not this local one.

I agree with you. The coverage of the events at Bayeux with Kirsty Young on Wednesday were absolutely perfect - commemorative and respectful and NO fireworks or air of celebration.

Apart from the usual problems of animals being frightened,
( especially given the lack of local publicity so pet owners could take precautions) the main concern was that this should be a time of remembering not celebrating. Money could be better spent supporting veterans.
I can appreciate all points of view. The big events at Portsmouth and in Normandy were well publicised, but not this local one.

Fireworks aren’t illegal before 11pm, apart from certain dates when it’s 1am.
I don’t have a problem with them.

It was national accross the country.

D-Day commemorations brought to a close with fireworks and beacon lighting at 9.15pm.
Fri 7 Jun 6.55am • King Charles and his son Prince William praised the "bravery and sacrifice.

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