IT was the perfect end to a perfect day of commemoration to the war heroes of June 6, 1944.

A public event at the iconic Bodmin Beacon Nature Reserve was the site of the final part of a day-long series of moments to mark the momentous occasion.

It followed an early morning proclamation from the town crier and an emotive memorial service held by the Royal British Legion and attended by veterans at Bodmin Keep, the historic headquarters of the Bodmin Barracks.

Councillor James Burden, Deputy Mayor of Bodmin (left) and Councillor Liz Ahearn, Mayor of Bodmin (centre) with representatives of Bodmin Community Fire Station
Councillor James Burden, deputy mayor of Bodmin (left) and Councillor Liz Ahearn, mayor of Bodmin (centre) with representatives of Bodmin Community Fire Station (Aaron Greenaway)

At 9.15pm exactly, the flame was lit on the beacon, part of the 80 beacons scheme which aimed to share a light across the land to mark the 80th anniversary of the occasion.

A flame was lit on the memorial beacon erected as part of the '80 Beacons' initiative
A flame was lit on the memorial beacon erected as part of the '80 Beacons' initiative (Aaron Greenaway)

After addresses from Terry Williams, the town crier and Cllr Liz Ahearn, the mayor of Bodmin, the obelisk was lit up by Bodmin Town Council’s team, with the monument visible from miles around in a range of alternating colours, which included red, white and blue.

An encore was provided by Bodmin Town Band, entertaining visitors before they left as the dusk turned to darkness.

Bodmin Town Band performing to those in attendance
Bodmin Town Band performing to those in attendance (Aaron Greenaway)
The memorial beacon in front of the obelisk at Bodmin Beacon
The memorial beacon in front of the obelisk at Bodmin Beacon (Aaron Greenaway)

Councillor Liz Ahearn, the mayor of Bodmin said: “It was a real honour to be able to play a part in an exceptionally well organised day of events to mark the 80th anniversary of such an important day in our history, D-Day.

“It was a delight to see Bodmin residents join us at the most outstanding of locations for the occasion, Bodmin Beacon, to light the flame and then finish the night with the monument lit up as the sky went from light to dark.

The Bodmin Beacon memorial obelisk lit up yellow
The Bodmin Beacon memorial obelisk lit up yellow (Aaron Greenaway)

“I’d love to give my thanks to all the staff at Bodmin Town Council, the Royal British Legion, particularly the Bodmin branch and its chair, Derek Coad, Bodmin Town Band and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service for their involvement, in addition to all the individuals and groups who participated throughout the day. It was a proud day for Bodmin and it was an honour to join in the celebrations as the mayor of this proud town.”