This year there will be a special Scottish commemorative event marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Scotland’s Salute – a concert at Usher Hall on 6 June 2024 – will mark 80 years to the day since ships landed in Normandy. Music will be provided by His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Scotland and the Military Wives Choir.
Alasdair Hutton, OBE TD, will narrate the story of D-DAy. His is a very recognisable voice as he used to commentate on the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. He will explain the lasting impact that the military operation had on both individuals and communities.
He will feature first hand testimony from servicemen from Scotland who took part in the landings as told to Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland.
Dr Claire Armstrong OBE, CEO of Legion Scotland, said: “It is a privilege to be able to provide Scotland with our national service of commemoration in honour of the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. And I am proud to do so with our partners at Poppyscotland.
“I am in no doubt that this is a milestone. What will be clear to the audience is that whilst it might have been 80 years since the battles in Northern France commenced, the experiences of those that were there have stayed with them for the entirety of their lives. That is one of the many reasons it is essential that we show our support and admiration for these individuals, and for their generation.
“I must make clear my gratitude and thanks to Alasdair Hutton OBE TD, the military musicians from His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Scotland, and the Military Wives Choir, all of whom have been fantastic artistic partners. I am sure that everyone who attends will be suitably wowed by their sombre, yet rousing, dedication to this moment in history.”
Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, Gordon Michie, said: “I am glad that our ongoing partnership with Legion Scotland allows us to offer a fitting commemorative concert. Scotland’s Salute acts as an opportunity for people across generations to come together and show our united thanks at an event that marks a significant historical milestone.
“The experiences of those that landed on the beaches of Northern France are experiences that barely anyone could imagine. But these experiences have had lasting impacts on those that were there. I am proud that we have this opportunity to elucidate their voices.
“I want to share in Dr Armstrong’s thanks to Alasdair and the musicians. I have no doubt that they will put on a fitting performance on the evening of the 6th of June – they always do.”
Tickets are on sale from 10am on Wednesday 3rd April and can be sourced directly from the Usher Hall’s ticket office. Doors will open at 6.30pm.
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