Each year we take veterans from Securitas to Normandy, these visits are deeply significant, offering our veterans a chance to return to a place that forever shaped history. For many, it's more than just a visit it's a profound experience that honours fallen comrades, fosters healing, and provides a sense of closure. Our commitment to these trips is rooted in a deep respect and gratitude for the sacrifices made by veterans. By enabling them to reconnect with their past and share their stories, we continue to honour their legacy and reinforce the vital role veteran support plays within our business.
In honour of the 80th anniversary for those who lost their lives in battle, seven members of the Securitas team embarked on a moving trip to Normandy, France, to attend the British and Commonwealth Service of Remembrance at the British Normandy Memorial. This commemorative visit marked an unforgettable and humbling experience as the group paid tribute to the fallen soldiers of D-Day and beyond.
The trip was made possible by Securitas UK’s commitment to supporting its military veterans, with funding provided by the company. The initiative was driven by Securitas UK’s military veteran network group, which has long advocated for the importance of remembering and honouring those who sacrificed their lives in service.
In attendance from Securitas were veterans Colin Robertson, Gordon Lambert, Dewi Jones, Kevin Issac, Benjamin Ayre and Peter Savva, who bring a collective 103+ years of military service to the experience, with backgrounds ranging from the Royal Welsh, Duke of Wellingtons, Queens Regiment to RAF and REME. Their service included postings to Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Northern Ireland.
A Historic and personal journey
This year’s visit was uniquely meaningful, as it was not just about remembering the fallen but also about connecting with the history and the individuals who lived through it. Gordon Lambert, Site Supervisor at Securitas UK, who served for 22 years in the 3rd Battalion of The Queen's Regiment, highlighted how special the trip was for him, as lower-ranking soldiers in his regiment rarely had the opportunity to go on battlefield tours.
The trip began with a visit to Pointe du Hoc and Omaha Beach, sites central to the invasion, where U.S. Rangers famously scaled cliffs to destroy German guns. The tour continued through Omaha, Juno, Gold, and Sword Beaches, before heading to the poignant American Cemetery.
Reflecting on the trip Kevin Issac, Mobile Team Leader at Securitas UK said, " We visited so many different sites, each with its own story. It was such a humble and eye-opening experience – you just don’t fully understand the scale of it all until you’ve been there."
The act of remembrance
The trip finished with a moving ceremony at the British Normandy Memorial, where Securitas veterans laid a wreath in remembrance. For many, this was the standout moment of the trip. The stunning memorial, situated on the Normandy coast with breathtaking views of the Channel, serves as a fitting tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives for freedom.
The ceremony itself was a deeply personal experience for the attendees. "It was an honour and privilege to be selected for this trip,” said one participant. "The experience of meeting a veteran from my own regiment was especially moving. We shared stories of our military days, and it was a powerful reminder of the bond that service creates” shared Kevin Issac.
For many of the participants, the trip was also a reminder of the sacrifices made by previous generations of soldiers. "The weekend was a true privilege. Seeing the places and personal items of brave young soldiers who put their lives on the line for our freedom was deeply moving," said Dewi Jones, Trainer at Securitas UK.
Colin Robertson, Monitoring Operator at Securitas UK shared "As I stood at the top looking down over Sword Beach and reflected that 80 years ago thousands of young men stormed that beach for many of them never to return home was immensely humbling and then I looked down in front of me and there was this small plaque with the following words:
”The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what is behind him.”
