On Thursday 6th June at 8am, the D-Day proclamation was read by Mayor Alex Chase from the balcony at the Town Hall.

This was the first official duty of new Mayor of Shaftesbury, Alex Chase, and the first time the balcony has been used since the Town Hall renovations.

The D-Day proclamation

Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary
of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France
an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics
uniting brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces
at the beginning of Operation Overlord.
By the day’s end, over one hundred and fifty thousand
Allied troops had successfully stormed
the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches
to achieve a toehold in France.
In the weeks that followed,
the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe
from the unforgiving countryside of Normandy
to the liberation of Paris two months later.
We should all remember and never forget
the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved
and use this Commemoration to pay our tribute
to those who gave so much to secure the freedom
we all enjoy today.

God Save the King