The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was delighted to take a group of veterans to Normandy for the 80 anniversary of Operation Overlord.
On 4 June, London Taxi cabs drove; ten Normandy, two WWII, five post war and two Afghanistan veterans, and a team of volunteers, carers, companions and medics across to France for the D Day commemorations.
The five day itinerary included commemoration services at Pegasus Museum, Ranville Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery and the village of Grangues, as well as visits to the Grand Bunker and Abbey aux Dames de Caen.
The trip was led by London cab driver and Taxi Charity Chairman Colin Mills who said, “What an honour to lead this group of veterans and volunteers as we came together to remember the events of 80 years ago. With us were veterans who had landed on the beaches, protected the channel, taught signalling to the troops and transmitted messages to the beaches, who enjoyed applause and thanks everywhere they went. We are proud to support veterans from all conflicts and joining the Normandy Veterans were those who had served after WWII in Korea and Kenya as well as younger vets who had served in Afghanistan.”
London Cab driver Daren Parr, who has rowed the Atlantic and climbed Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Taxi Charity said, “This was my first European trip with the charity and is something I will never forget, creating memories I will cherish forever. It was a real privilege being around these living legends. Getting to sit, talk and hear their stories was a real treat. I was hanging onto every word, asking questions and getting a unique insight into a big part of our history.”
WWII veteran Marie Scott, who transmitted messages to the beaches said, “What an amazing experience. I am fortunate to have travelled to Normandy on several occasions and always thoroughly enjoy my time away with this special charity but this really was the best time ever. The Charity has given me so many incredible experiences over the years, but on 5 June this year, I had the honour of speaking at the commemoration service at Pegasus Museum in front of fellow veterans from England Canada and America, as well as personnel representing all the services.”
Entrepreneur and Taxi Charity Ambassador, 29 year old Johnny Gallagher who recently raised £135,000 for the charity to take veterans to Europe for acts of commemoration said, “I am shocked to learn that less than half the youth of today know what D-day is. I am truly hoping that my actions will inspire change to the education system so that more young people can learn and understand the sacrifice these veterans made for our country.”
To find out more about the support the Taxi Charity offers to veterans or to donate visit www.taxicharity.org
About the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
The Taxi Charity is run by volunteer London black taxi drivers and has been supporting thousands of veterans since 1948. It is the only Forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment and arranges free trips (for veterans from all conflicts) to the Netherlands and France for acts of commemoration and days out to museums, concerts, or social events across the UK.
The charity received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023, a remarkable milestone for a small, niche charity peopled by enthusiastic volunteers. In 2024, they will be taking a group of WWII veterans to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is wholly reliant on donations, grants and sponsorship.
