We must continue to teach children the lesson of D-Day

When we commemorate D-Day, what exactly are we doing? We are remembering, with great reverence, the bravery and sacrifice of an event 80 years ago: the largest amphibious invasion in history, which precipitated the liberation of France, and Nazi Germany's surrender, 11 months later.

- ANTHONY SELDON

We are giving thanks for a moment “when tyranny was replaced with freedom” – and saluting those who “did not flinch when the moment came” and who passed the “supreme test”, as King Charles reminded us in his heartfelt address to the world leaders and D-Day veterans who gathered in Normandy.

His presence at the commemorations also recalled his own beloved grandfather George VI, who had delivered a stirring message to the people of Britain and the Empire eight decades earlier. Most vitally, we are also reminded of the audacious military operation – a combined naval, air and land assault on the Nazis’ western defences – that marked a decisive turning point in the Second World War, and the beginning of the end of the most evil empire in history.