03 June 2024
Thursday 6 June marks 80 years since D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history, and the beginning of the liberation of Western Europe.
To mark the countdown to the anniversary, the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, has unveiled a portrait of Ernest Thorne, the last known surviving Jersey Normandy Veteran, at the Town Hall. This specially commissioned oil painting took three weeks to complete by local artist Jason Butler and was inspired by his recent study 'Islanders', a long-term project to capture the portraits of special islanders.
Jason Butler said: "It was an absolute honour to paint Ernest. Not only because of the role he played as one of Jersey's Normandy Veterans but also because it was a privilege to meet someone who at 100 years of age still has a zest and enthusiasm for life, we could all learn a great deal from him. The portrait was completed over an intense three week period having taken a series of images of Ernest when he and his wife Mary came to visit me at my studio.
"I'm proud to have been asked to make the painting and I'm delighted that it will have a permanent home in the Town Hall which means people will be able to come and see it for themselves."
A number of different public events are planned for Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and Jersey's Normandy Veterans.
12:30 - D-Day memorial service - The Cenotaph
Members of the Public are invited to attend a wreath laying service that will be led by the Dean of Jersey at the Cenotaph.
The service will be attended by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd CBE, the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq and Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham.
It is hoped Mr Thorne will attend the service.
Those wishing to attend should arrive no later than 12:15 for a prompt start to the service at 12:30.
20:30 - D-Day commemorative service, Noirmont Point – 'Light of Peace'.
On the evening of 6 June the Bailiff will lead a service at the Second World War memorial on Noirmont Point that will conclude with lighting a small beacon to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings.
The service is part of a project that spans across the British Isles during which towns and cities will ignite beacons collectively at 21:15.
Members of the public are invited to attend the event and to arrive no later than 20:30.
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