Taxi Charity veterans return to Normandy to honour D-Day and Battle of Normandy fallen
- Perry Richardson
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Veterans and volunteers from the Taxi Charity travelled to Normandy this month to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, taking part in a series of commemorative events marking one of the most significant campaigns of the Second World War.
The annual visit forms part of the charity’s long-standing commitment to ensuring the sacrifices made by the wartime generation continue to be remembered by future generations. Throughout the trip, veterans joined volunteers at memorial services, exhibitions and remembrance events across the Normandy region.
A key moment of the visit came on 5 June at the Memorial Pegasus Museum, where veterans and supporters gathered for a remembrance service. Speaking during the event, Taxi Charity Chairman Colin Mills stressed the importance of keeping alive the stories of those who paid the ultimate price during the conflict.
Mills said: “The names of the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice must never be forgotten. Tell your children, tell your grandchildren and tell your great-grandchildren about their courage and sacrifice, so that future generations will always remember the price that was paid for the freedoms we enjoy today.”
Veterans and volunteers attended commemorative services, exhibitions and remembrance events in Normandy as part of the charity’s continuing commitment to preserving wartime memories.
Following the service, the group shared lunch and spent time reflecting on the events of D-Day and the airborne operations that played a crucial role in securing the Allied landings on 6 June 1944.
Later that day, veterans and volunteers attended the launch of photographer Robin Savage’s exhibition, ‘Go To It’. The collection features portraits of Second World War veterans, including several individuals who had previously travelled to Normandy with the Taxi Charity. For many visitors, the exhibition carried added significance as some of the veterans featured in the photographs have since passed away. Their portraits now serve as a lasting record of their experiences and service.
On 6 June, the group attended the D-Day commemorative service at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery. Veterans joined members of the local community, military representatives and international visitors in remembering those who lost their lives during the Normandy campaign. The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of the servicemen and women involved in the liberation of Europe.
The programme concluded on 7 June with a visit to The Longest Yarn, an 80-metre knitted and crocheted depiction of the D-Day landings and subsequent Battle of Normandy. Created by hundreds of volunteers from around the world, the exhibition presents scenes from Operation Overlord through textile artwork, offering visitors a distinctive perspective on the events of June 1944.
Among those accompanying the veterans was volunteer Grace Mawson, who described the experience as one of the most meaningful of her life. Reflecting on the trip, she said: “I have had such a wonderful weekend. I cannot put it into words. No one will ever understand what it feels like to be involved in this wonderful charity, the wonderful people behind it all and the wonderful people involved in it all unless you’re in it. How lucky am I. It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of our veteran’s lives.”
The Taxi Charity has supported military veterans for decades, organising trips, social events and commemorative visits both in the UK and overseas.
The organisation relies entirely on donations, grants and sponsorship to fund its activities and continue providing opportunities for veterans to attend important remembrance events.
