France’s Freedom Flame Arrives in UK as Part of D-Day Commemoration Tour
France’s Freedom Flame, customarily located on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc De Triomphe in Paris, has arrived in the UK for the first time. This event marks the beginning of a historic tour commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, also known as D-Day.
The flame crossed the Channel aboard a Brittany Ferries ship and arrived at Portsmouth, Hampshire, on Tuesday evening, escorted by historic and modern naval vessels. These included HMS Medusa, HSL 102, MGB 81, two Royal Navy P2000 patrol boats, and the French schooner Etoile.
Upon arrival, the flame was greeted by a 20-person guard of honour comprising both French and UK personnel, alongside the Royal Marines Corps of Drums. The group performed a short procession to Portsmouth International Port's terminal, where a brief ceremony took place. Key attendees included Portsmouth Naval Base commander Commodore John Voyce, Deputy Lord Mayor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Brittany Ferries' CEO Christophe Mathieu, and Helen Patton, General Patton's granddaughter.
Following the ceremony, the Royal Marines Corps of Drums performed a traditional Beating Retreat as the flame proceeded to the D-Day Story museum in Southsea, where it will be displayed before its next leg to Arlington, Virginia.
Commodore John Voyce remarked on the significance of the flame’s arrival, symbolizing global liberty and marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Similarly, Councillor Vernon-Jackson emphasized the importance of remembering historical sacrifices and the importance of international cooperation.
The tour serves as an homage to the vital contributions made by both the UK and the USA in the liberation of France and Europe during World War Two.
More details can be found on the event and the commemoration efforts.
Keywords: France’s Freedom Flame, UK, D-Day, Normandy landings, Portsmouth, 80th anniversary, World War Two.