Salterns Trust Academy Students Represent Portsmouth at D-Day Commemorations in Caen
Students from the Solent Language Network proudly represented Portsmouth at the annual D-Day commemorations in Caen, France, on Friday 5 June 2026 – Saturday 6th June 2026, participating in a moving ceremony attended by veterans, dignitaries, military personnel, and international guests.
The visit provided a unique opportunity for students to honour those who served during the Second World War while strengthening the historic links between Portsmouth and its twin city of Caen.
During the ceremony, students delivered outstanding performances of both national anthems, singing God Save the King and La Marseillaise, before performing the moving hymn O Valiant Heart. Their professionalism, respect, and musical excellence were warmly received by all in attendance. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Simon Legg, Music Teacher at Trafalgar School, for his invaluable support with the choir group.
A particularly memorable moment came when Elliana Haque, a student from Trafalgar School, joined a student from Collège Jean Moulin in Caen and a British soldier to recite the poignant poem Pourquoi ? by Cyril Walter Crain. The trilingual performance was delivered with dignity and emotion, highlighting the shared commitment of young people from both nations to remembering the past and building lasting friendships for the future.
The Salterns Trust Academy delegation included students and staff from three Portsmouth secondary schools:
Trafalgar School
Aamir Kohli, Director of Languages
Elliana Haque
Emmie Phillimore
Daniel Emerson
Admiral Lord Nelson School
Rebecca Britti, Director of Languages
Sophie Somerset
Chase Tull
Luka Drain
Mayfield School
Emily Troeger, Director of Languages
Freya Loader
Daisy Young
Montgomery Lavery
The group was also honoured to be joined by Claire Haque, Governor at Trafalgar School, whose support contributed greatly to the success of the visit.
Students were delighted to meet and speak with the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Abdul Kadir, and Aristide Olivier, Mayor of Caen. Both mayors took time to congratulate the students personally, thanking them for their beautiful performances and for representing their cities with such pride, dignity and professionalism.
The ceremony concluded with a powerful gesture of fraternity and remembrance. Wreaths were presented by the Gurkhas, Nepalese soldiers serving within the British Army's 3rd (UK) Division, to the various associations, veterans' groups and civic authorities. These were then laid during the Act of Remembrance, providing a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds between the nations that fought together for freedom.
The trip was made possible through the exceptional collaboration between Portsmouth and Caen. Special thanks are extended to Carol Clark, International and Sponsorship Officer within Culture, Leisure and Regulatory Services at Portsmouth City Council, whose dedication and commitment to international partnerships continue to create invaluable opportunities for young people across Portsmouth.
Particular appreciation is also extended to Valérie Rapeaud, Director of Public Relations, Protocol and International Relations for the City of Caen, together with Noëmie Dauchier, Chargée de Mission Relations Internationales, and Andrea De Campos Andres, whose impeccable coordination of the delegation's day-to-day programme ensured that every aspect of the visit ran smoothly. Their professionalism, hospitality, and attention to detail enabled students and staff alike to focus fully on the significance of the commemorative events and made the experience both memorable and enriching for all involved.
The delegation would also like to thank Brittany Ferries for providing a pleasant and comfortable crossing between Portsmouth and Caen.
Reflecting on the experience, the accompanying staff praised the students for their exemplary conduct, maturity and commitment throughout the visit. Their participation demonstrated not only their musical and linguistic talents but also their understanding of the importance of remembrance, international friendship and cultural exchange.
The visit stands as a powerful example of how young people can play an active role in preserving shared history while building meaningful connections across borders. The students returned to Portsmouth with memories that will stay with them for many years and with a deeper appreciation of the sacrifices made by previous generations.
This visit also highlighted the importance of language learning and intercultural understanding. Through their performances, interactions with French students and participation in an international commemorative event, the students embodied the values of respect, collaboration and global citizenship that are at the heart of education within the Salterns Trust Academy.
The Salterns Trust Academy would like to express its sincere gratitude to all those in Portsmouth and Caen who made this unforgettable experience possible. Through remembrance, friendship and shared values, the partnership between the two cities continues to flourish, inspiring a new generation to carry forward the legacy of peace, cooperation and mutual understanding.
