Media Centre

Nation remembers: 700 veterans travel to their last ever D Day commemoration with National Express

22 Oct 2009

World War II Veterans will travel to London on 25 October by National Express coach to mark the 65th anniversary of D Day. It is expected to be the last official event where veterans come together from across Britain to remember the Normandy landings.

Over 700 members of the Normandy Veterans Association will travel to Westminster Abbey by coach for the final service of commemoration, attended by senior members of the Government.

National Express is providing a fleet of dedicated coaches to transport the veterans free of charge from 20 locations across Britain. The special coach services will allow veterans, all aged 80 and over, to travel comfortably to the 65th anniversary service.

Peter L Hodge, Honorary General Secretary of the Normandy Veterans Association, said:

“We are so grateful to National Express for stepping in to help our members reach the last official commemoration of D Day. The special coach services mean members can travel comfortably to Westminster Abbey as a group without worrying about travel expenses or connections. The Association does not receive public funding, so it makes an enormous difference to get travel for free.”

The special Veterans services will depart from destinations including Birmingham, Liverpool, Leicester and Southampton.

Ray O’Toole, Chief Operating Officer for National Express said: “As a British company we’re proud to support the brave soldiers who risked their lives for our country. Sunday’s D Day commemoration is expected to be the last time veterans meet as a group to mark the Normandy landings.  We wanted to ensure every member could attend this historic event.”

The Normandy Veterans Association is a support group for veterans of the Normandy Landings, which took place in 1944. It has members from all disciplines of the armed forces including the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.  

ENDS

National Express is Britain’s only nationwide, scheduled coach operator, serving over 1,700 destinations throughout the UK with approximately 18.5 million passenger journeys every year. National Express also operates a high frequency service to all major UK airports.

Carly O'Donnell, Media Executive, National Express

D: 0121 460 8867 Carly.O'Donnell@nationalexpress.com  www.nationalexpress.com