Veterans marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day operations were overcome with emotion as they honoured those who sacrificed their lives in Normandy.
Servicemen Paul Hayward, Stephen Hall and Clarence Heale travelled to the French coast to commemorate and remember those who had served before them, admitting it is something they "can't even comprehend".
Speaking to GB News, serviceman Stephen Hall said it was important for them to make the trip to Normandy and that what those servicemen and women sacrificed 80 years ago "changed the whole world", and "cannot comprehend" what it means to those serving in more recent conflicts.
Hall told Ellie Costello: "We've all served in different places and done different things from Northern Ireland to Afghanistan and Iraq, but this is just something that I cannot comprehend and put words to - it's just mind blowingly vast."
Servicemen Paul Hayward, Stephen Hall and Clarence Heale revealed why this year's trip to Normandy was particularly poignant
GB News
Paul Hayward, who revealed he had been making the trip to Normandy for the last ten years as a mark of respect with different regiment groups, had planned the trip for the three servicemen making the journey today.
Hayward broke down in tears as he told GB News that a former serviceman and friend recently passed away, making this year's trip even more poignant.
When asked why this year's trip was particularly important, Hayward told Ellie: "I met a veteran, and it was important to him..."
Heale then comforted an emotional Hayward as he continued the story: "Len Cox was a personal friend of Paul's who passed away recently. He was with the Gloucestershire's that landed here.
Clarence Heale highlighted the importance of remembering the sacrifices for the future generations
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"Paul has done this for the last ten years on behalf of the regiment. He brings different groups every year. And as you can see, this is what it's all about. And this is why we're here for Len Cox."
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Praising Hayward's efforts to mark the D-Day anniversary every year, Heale added: "We're going to go up to the memorial when it quiets down a bit and we'll be paying respects to Len.
"If it wasn't for Paul, I wouldn't be here today, same with Steve. He's organised a fantastic trip on behalf of Len Cox from the Gloucesters and all the other veterans."
Ellie noted Hayward's "incredible efforts" to pay his respects to the D-Day veterans, as he added: "It is important, we need to remember and the next generation needs to remember and carry on.
"We'll do it for the rest of our lives, but they need to carry it on. And in 100 years, when the 100 years of celebration comes, they want to be here celebrating this, as much as it is for us to be here. My sons have been here, so they know."
Hayward paid tribute to his former friend and serviceman Len Cox, who recently passed away
GB News
Echoing Haywards thoughts on future generations, Heale highlighted the need for future generations to remember the sacrifices made in historic events such as D-Day, and to "never forget" those who made the journey 80 years ago.
Heale told GB News: "I personally do it for my grandad. My grandfather was RAF and also I've got family in New Zealand, the Royal Air Force. For me, I think we need to carry on for the next generation.
"It's all about the veterans. It's not about us today, it's about the veterans, and the sacrifice they made so we can all live free. And that's why we're a part of the regiment.
"I'm representing all our friends, our grandfather's generation and the Commonwealth as well, because I've got family in New Zealand, and I'm here for them as well. And I think it's the least we can do, show some respect and remember them so it doesn't get forgotten about."
