Honouring D-Day with Remembrance and Celebration

Earlier this month, residents, staff and visiting families came together at Oakdene to mark the 81st anniversary of D-Day with a heartfelt and joyful tea party, full of music, memories and meaningful conversation.

To commemorate this deeply significant day, we hosted a traditional afternoon tea with fresh scones, cream and jam. Tables were dressed with wartime memorabilia and Union Jack flags, which created a cheerful setting with space for reflection and honour. The highlight of the day was a special performance by the Land Girls, who brought the spirit of the 1940s to life with a charming set of wartime songs. Their voices filled the room with warmth and nostalgia, and many of our residents joined in with the words, tapping along and smiling as they were transported back to a familiar time.

For many of our residents, this day holds very personal meaning. D-Day represents both a historic military event and a turning point in their own lives. Some remember watching loved ones leave for war, and others recall the quiet courage shown by those left behind. It was a time of strength, uncertainty and resilience. With this in mind, our celebration struck a careful balance between remembering the sacrifices made and honouring the legacy of bravery that lives on in the stories our residents continue to share.

The tea party gave residents the chance to reminisce with one another, speak about where they were on that day, and take comfort in knowing that those memories are valued and respected. It was especially moving to witness families and residents sitting together, sharing personal stories and listening to one another.

Our staff were proud to be on hand to support residents throughout the event. Many commented afterwards on how lovely the day had been, with one resident saying, “It brought it all back, but in a good way. We remembered, but we also celebrated how far we’ve come.”

Events like this are a reminder of why we do what we do. Creating spaces where our residents feel seen, heard and cared for is at the heart of life at Oakdene. If you’d like to learn more about the meaningful activities we offer or arrange a visit to experience the warmth of our care first-hand, we’d be delighted to welcome you.