FALMOUTH'S deputy mayor has explained why she is laying a bouquet in memory of the troops of the the US 69th this morning.
On behalf of the people of Falmouth, Cllr Kirstie Edwardd is laying mixed roses and rosemary in memory of the US 29th, who left Falmouth for Omaha Beach on D-Day on June 6, 1944.
She says she mixed roses, as she wanted to lay something that represents the many and varied stories of those who gave their lives for our freedom.
She chose Rosemary as a sign of remembrance and I made the bouquet herself- plastic free obviously.
The tribute follows a visit to the Normandy beach with her family in 2015 following in the footsteps of American troops who stormed the French beaches which you can read about here.
For the first time this year, the mayor has laid and will lay today an organic wreath designed locally. Traditional poppy wreaths will also be laid on behalf of many different branches of the armed forces.
"My family will also be laying a small bunch of roses and rosemary, for our grandparents," said Cllr Edwards in a post on Facebook.
"My grandad -Colin John Stokes, who fought in Korea and at the time was the youngest ever British sergeant.
"For my grandpa Leigh Cameron Edwards, who as a vicar in Cardiff during the Second World War, was part of the home front. Blessing ships as they left and guiding our service men home, with a lone lantern in the blackout at Cardiff docks. He also, I understand was an air raid warden and took many risks to protect his community.
"Thirdly is my partners grandparents William Edwards “rumble” Higgins who fought in Burma and Gladys Margret Higgins, who formed part of the London fire service during the Blitz.
"It’s near impossible to comprend what these people so familiar to us, underwent, to protect our freedom and ensure we have all the rights that we enjoy today.
"Today and everyday, we remember them."
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