Liberation Day
While in Jersey, I attended some of the Liberation Day festivities. This included a memorial service for the forced laborers who were prisoners of the Nazis during the German occupation of the Channel Islands.My uncle was the host of the ceremony and did a wonderful job putting together an honest, meaningful service that included a poignant speech from historian Bob le Sueur and the laying of wreaths in remembrance by representatives and family members from a host of countries - including an official military attache from the Russian embassy in London and the Bailiff of Jersey.
Other celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Channel Islands included a visit from the Queen, reenactments of the liberation, and a stunning fireworks display at the harbor set to music and exerts from Churchill's speeches on the BBC.
The occupation of the Channel Islands is a fascinating piece of often overlooked history - and one that I am personally connected to through my grandmother (a Jersey native who lived through the occupation) and grandfather (a Spanish Republican forced laborer). To learn more about the occupation of the Channel Islands click here.
Clive - a Jersey veteran who served as an engineer for the British military. He built 22 bridges under fire, including one as part of the D Day operations.
Gary Font (my uncle) at the memorial service for the forced laborers.
posted by Paul at
3:50 PM
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