I was also intrigued by the story that appeared in the Whitehaven News that told how 15 year old Mary Dimond from Egremont had her holiday snaps of Arromanches used by the Admiralty to plan the landings.

Around 10,000 veterans attended events in France including many from West Cumbria. The Ministry of Defence helped veterans with their return to Normandy through schemes including free passports and reduced ferry fares and the government announced last month that anyone over 75 will get free ten-year passports in recognition of their wartime efforts at home and abroad.

Veterans will receive a new badge as part of the continuing commemoration of 60th anniversaries associated with the Second World War. It is designed to help the public recognise veterans and the contribution they made. Former Defence Secretary Lord Healey, who served as a Beach Master during the Anzio landings in Italy in 1944, received the first badge on 10 May.

But it is important that we recognise and support everyone as they get older - not just the generation who fought for Europe's unity and freedom.

This Labour government has a proud record of supporting pensioners. New figures published last month show that

the average Pension Credit award is £41.70 a week per household

over three million pensioners are now receiving the Pension Credit

with Labour, the number of pensioners in poverty has fallen by half a million since 1997, meaning that the proportion of pensioners in poverty is now the lowest since the mid-1980s. Compared with 1997, pensioner households are on average around £26 better off a week; the poorest third of pensioners are £33 a week better off. Since 1997 pensioner's weekly incomes have increased by around 25% in real terms.

Labour has also introduced new measures to help all pensioners, including real increases to the basic state pension; the Winter Fuel Payment, paid at £200 to all pensioners and at £300 for the over 80s; free TV licences for the over 75s; free-eye tests and prescription charges; and most recently we have introduced a £100 council tax payment for pensioners over 70.

In Opposition, the Tories have opposed every measure Labour has taken to boost the prosperity of pensioners. They opposed the Winter Fuel Payment, free TV licences for the over 75s, the Minimum Income Guarantee, and most recently have opposed the £100 council tax payment for pensioners over 70.

The proudest achievement of the Labour government that was elected immediately after the Second World War in 1945 was the establishment of the NHS. One of the proudest achievements of the current government is the support and respect given to pensioners. As the D-Day commemorations showed it is support and respect that is fully deserved.