Two Essex MPs joined a D-Day Veteran, who went ashore with the Essex Regiment on 6th June 1944, as part of a special D-Day 80 Commemorative Event, in Parliament. Private Ken Hay, served in the 2/4th Battalion of the Essex Regiment, who were part of the successful allied landings to help liberate Europe from Nazi tyranny.
Ken was present in Parliament today, to assist Mr Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, in lighting a commemorative flame, to mark the 80th anniversary of the invasion, (at a ceremony organised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission).
Mark Francois, the MP for Rayleigh & Wickford, whose father, Stoker 1st Class Reginald Francois, when aged only 19, was on a minesweeper that day was also present to pay his respects, as was his colleague, Southend West MP, Anna Firth. They were joined by Sir Bill Cash MP, who’s late father, Paul Cash MC, was killed several days later, in the fighting around Caen.
Speaking about the event in Parliament, Mark said:
“Both Anna and I were glad to be present at the ceremony, to pay our respects to those who made their way ashore that fateful day, to ensure we still live in freedom today. As my father, Reginald Francois, was also there that day, it was a particular privilege to meet Essex Regiment Veteran Ken Hay and to shake his hand and personally thank him for his service. Lest we forget.”
