The eyes of the world were on Trafford Mayor’s Cadet of the Year as she took a leading role in the commemorations to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.
Madison Grace, aged 17, appeared on TV screens across the planet last night (5 June) as she led the emotional torchlight parade to light the war graves in Normandy.
The 17-year-old, who lives in Altrincham and is Trafford Council and Greater Manchester’s first ever Mayor’s Cadet of the Year, joined the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, at the event ahead of the 80th anniversary of the Second World War campaign to liberate Europe from Nazi rule.
The Cadet Corporal joined veterans and their families at the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) service of commemoration at Bayeux War Cemetery, where the congregation was surrounded by the graves of over 4,000 military casualties. A minute’s silence was held in remembrance of the fallen and readings were given of first-hand accounts of British Forces who were tasked with taking the coastline codenamed Sword Beach.
Madison, who was selected to be Trafford Mayor’s Cadet of the Year in August 2023, was recently awarded the prestigious King’s Coronation Medal out of 40,000 Cadets nationwide.
The former Loreto Grammar School pupil said:
“I was extremely proud to have led the torchlight parade in Normandy and to have met with the Princess Royal. It was a very emotional occasion and I am so privileged to have been given the opportunity to take part. The thousands of servicemen and women who fought so hard were heroes one and all and we will never forget what they did for us to enjoy our freedom.”
