To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Aled Jones travels to Portsmouth, where on 6 June 1944, the Allies' forces launched the largest seaborne invasion the world had ever seen. On board an original landing craft at the D-Day Story Museum, Aled meets 99-year-old Stanley Ford, a veteran of the Normandy campaign, who tells Aled why it’s more important than ever to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Stanley, who had just turned 18 in the week leading up to D-Day, tells his story of narrowly avoiding death when his ship was hit by a torpedo and why he believes God was protecting him.

We also hear from Ken Hay, a veteran who was taken captive by the Germans during the Normandy campaign. In recent years, Ken has devoted his life to educating young people on the dangers of war, drawing on his own experiences of World War II. We follow Ken as he speaks to schoolchildren and shares why he believes love is the only answer to stopping war.

With hymns and music from across the UK to commemorate and celebrate all those who serve in the armed forces, as well as a special performance by Aled Jones on the beaches of Normandy.

Music featured:

O God, Our Help in Ages Past – St Michael’s Church, Southampton
I Vow to Thee, My Country – Christ Church, Oxton, Birkenhead
We Shall Walk Through the Valley In Peace - Apollo 5, The National Gallery, London
Abide with Me - Aled Jones
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, Hereford Cathedral
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Winchester Cathedral Show less