MEMBERS of the Wrexham branch of the Normandy Veterans’ Association came together to mark the 67th anniversary of D-Day.

An intimate service, led by the Rev Philip Carey, vicar of St Giles and official padre for the Wrexham group, brought servicemen and their families together at the Normandy Memorial stone next to the cenotaph on Bodhyfryd.

The branch standard was proudly held aloft while the mournful sound of The Lone Bugler was played out across the gardens as the group remembered their fallen comrades.

Ted Edwards, branch chairman, was 19 when he took part in the D-Day landings, an event which saw the Allies launch their campaign to liberate Western Europe on June 6, 1944.

Ted, now 86, formerly of Rhostyllen but now of Caia Park, was joined in remembrance by the surviving members of the association, the youngest of whom is 85 and the eldest 94.

He said: “It was a very good service and an opportunity to come together and remember not just those who served from Wrexham but men from across the country.”

The group’s members still meet once a month.

- THE veterans have now been invited to a special celebration to mark Armed Forces Day.

The event, to be held at the town’s Memorial Hall on Friday, June 24, from 2pm, is being organised by Wrexham MP Ian Lucas.

All those who have previously attended a veterans’ celebration held in Wrexham are welcome, although anyone wishing to attend is asked to let Mr Lucas know by contacting his office.

The celebration will also help raise funds for the Royal British Legion, which is marking its 90th year of the Poppy Appeal in 2011.

Mr Lucas said: “We owe our Armed Forces veterans a great deal and I try to hold an event for them each year.

“Not only are these events my small way of showing my appreciation for what our veterans have done, I also find them both fascinating historically and moving
emotionally. I really do look forward to each event.”

Veterans wishing to attend can reserve their place by contacting Mr Lucas’ office on 01978 355743.