A PROUD Worcester teenage hero represented his city and country at poignant D-Day services in Normandy.
Freddie Westbury, aged just 19, was one of the Royal Navy representatives as the world watched the national commemorative event in Normandy on Thursday morning.
Mr Westbury, who currently serves on HMS Prince of Wales, volunteered for his role in the sombre occasion.
(Image: Alistair Westbury)
During the service, he met with veterans who served in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.
He also met His Majesty King Charles III, Queen Camilla and French President Emmanuel Macron at the service.
READ MORE- D-Day hero returned to Royal Navy for Normandy landings
READ MORE- Worcester marks D-Day anniversary
Mr Westbury played a pivotal role in proceedings the day before (Wednesday) as he presented a wreath to a dignitary to lay at the Bayeux cemetery.
His proud parents, Alistair and Rachel, watched on back in Worcester as their son appeared on the television during both services.
Alistair, from McIntyre Road, in St John's, told the Worcester News the entire family were having the 'experience of a lifetime' seeing Freddie take part in such an important occasion.
"He messaged us after the ceremony on Thursday to tell us he had met royalty.
"He was sent to France with about 40 others off of his ship to take part in the commemorations.
"He spoke to the veterans and enjoyed hearing their stories."
Service is in the family for the Westbury's with Freddie representing the Royal Navy for 18 months so far, while Alistair served between 1998 and 2004.
Alistair added: "The past few days have been very important, this year's commemorations will be the last major anniversary while the D-Day veterans are still with us.
"Young people must never forget what went on all those years ago, so for our son to be involved in keeping those lessons alive is fantastic. "
The King and the Prince of Wales praised the 'bravery and sacrifice' of D-Day veterans on the 80th anniversary of the beach invasion.
Charles addressed an emotional crowd of veterans at the national commemorative event in Ver-sur-Mer on Thursday and expressed his 'profound sense of gratitude' to those who served in 1944.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel