Veteran, 101, marks VE Day at beacon lighting event

A 101-year-old who landed on the beaches of Normandy in 1944 celebrated Victory in Europe (VE) Day at a beacon lighting ceremony.

Veteran Douglas John Hayward, who was one of the last surviving members of the Essex Yeomanry - a British cavalry regiment - marked the 80th anniversary at an event in Castle Mound, Cambridge, on Thursday.

He was joined by visitors, local dignitaries, Armed Forces personnel and veterans.

Christopher Walkinshaw, deputy lieutenant for Cambridgeshire, said it was great to remember the generation that changed the course of history in Europe.

The anniversary marked the end of World War Two in Europe and paid tribute to the millions of people who served.

Lighting the beacon symbolised the coming together of the community and the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of war.

Mr Walkinshaw said: "It was an honour to attend the ceremony and light the beacon to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

"VE Day is an event which holds deep significance for our nation and for communities across Cambridgeshire.

"It was great to see so many people come together to pause, reflect and remember the generation that changed the course of history in Europe to secure the freedoms we enjoy today."

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