A COVENTRY veteran, 96, has been sent a letter by the Prime Minister thanking him for preserving the memory of the World War Two D-Day Landings.
PM Theresa May has today (June 5) given Dennis Davison BEM a Points of Light award for his years providing education for veterans and schoolchildren.
His award coincides with events marking the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings operation.
Mr Davison served during the Normandy campaign which began with the D-Day Landings on June 6, 1944 – widely considered a turning point of World War Two.
It was the largest seaborne invasion ever assembled before or since. Much of the battle took place in the apple orchards of Normandy.
Mr Davison established peace education charity Normandy Day UK in 2010 to inform people about the impacts of war through trips and talks.
It has arranged for veterans to speak to more than 3,500 students in the city.
His charity created a 3.5-acre Peace Orchard at Coundon Hall Park as an outdoor classroom in 2017 – after school children helped him plant 650 native apple trees and fruit hedging plants.
It was planted to commemorate those who fell during the Normandy Landings as well as providing a permanent space for schools and community groups to gather for workshops, events and an annual picnic marking D-Day in the city.
Alongside other veterans, he will be honoured by the Lord Mayor of Coventry Linda Bigham as part of a civic reception on the June 6, the same day as the annual peace picnic.
The Points of Light award recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.
In her letter Theresa May said: “As we mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, it is fitting to recognise your extraordinary work educating others on this important day in history and keeping the memory of those who served our country alive.
“Through Normandy Day UK, you are helping us understand how we can all work together to tackle intolerance and discrimination, and promote peace and reconciliation in our communities.”
Mr Davison said: “I accept this great honour with real pride and on behalf of Normandy Day UK and the volunteers who have been so supportive and helped realise the dream of a Peace Orchard in Coventry.”