Marking D-Day closer to home

Strictly embargoed to 0005 Friday September 17.
Undated picture of the D-Day landing in Normandy, France. Previously classified MI5 documents, released Friday 17 September 1999 by the Public Records Office, chart the success of the Double Cross System during the Second World War, which involved feeding misleading information to the Nazis via agents whom, Berlin believed, were working for Germany. The system's greatest triumph was operation Fortitude, which involved convincing the Germans that the Normandy landings (Operation Neptune) were just a diversion for a major attack further north. PA photo. See PA story DEFENCE Doublecross. — Strictly embargoed to 0005 Friday September 17. Undated picture of the D-Day landing in Normandy, France. Previously classified MI5 documents, released Friday 17 September 1999 by the Public Records Office, chart the success of the Double Cross System during the Second World War, which involved feeding misleading information to the Nazis via agents whom, Berlin believed, were working for Germany. The system's greatest triumph was operation Fortitude, which involved convincing the Germans that the Normandy landings (Operation Neptune) were just a diversion for a major attack further north. PA photo. See PA story DEFENCE Doublecross.

Veterans in Ashfield will attend a special afternoon tea with the chairman of Ashfield District Council.

And at 2.15pm, seven D-Day veterans will give a talk and a slideshow about their experiences at Ladybrook Library.

Check back throughout the day as the Chad brings you up-to-date coverage of the commemorative events.

Today’s ceremonies mark the high point of the anniversary events, which have seen thousands flock to beaches, cemeteries and villages linked to the momentous landings.

Up to 19 heads of state, including the Queen and US president Barack Obama, will be on Sword Beach near Ouistreham, one of the five battle zones on Normandy’s coastline on June 6, 1944.

Let us know your thoughts about the momentous events of 70 years ago.