RICHARD PALUSINSKI

THE Spirit of Normandy Trust took five veterans of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy to visit their battlegrounds in June.

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The pilgrimage was an essential part of their lives, giving them a unique opportunity to attend commemorative ceremonies and remember comrades who did not return.

It was made possible after the Daily Express intervened and government funding was made available.

Since our return, one of the veterans has celebrated his hundredth birthday. However, two days later we attended the funeral of another aged 102.

There is no doubt that, as time passes, the number of veterans able to make such a journey will diminish.

As a charity we are committed to taking veterans to Normandy each year for as long as they are able to go.