Sir Trevor Brooking led an FA delegation in commemorating the 70th anniversary of D-Day at a specially convened service in Miami on Friday, near where the England team is currently based.
The service, organised jointly by the Dean of Trinity Cathedral and the British Consulate General for Florida, was attended by representatives of the Allied Forces, as well as the Royal British Legion, World War Two veterans, media representatives and England supporters.
The FA also laid a red wreath of carnations and roses at the Cathedral, which had earlier been on display at England’s open training session at the nearby Barry University.
The FA delegation included Sir Trevor Brooking and Adrian Bevington
Joining Sir Trevor Brooking was Adrian Bevington, the Managing Director of Club England, and International Committee representatives Robert Coar and David Barnard.
Speaking at the service, Sir Trevor said: “It is important and right that we remember all involved on that day, and throughout the conflict. The bravery and dedication to duty was unparalleled, and of course goes far beyond what is expected of those who represent their country in a sporting sense.”
Sir Trevor was joined in speaking by Commander Robert J. Harcourt of the Royal Navy, who is currently based on duties in Florida. The famous FA Cup Final hymn Abide With Me was also sung during the remembrance event.
The wreath at England's training session on Friday
Friday 6 June marked exactly 70 years since the start of the Normandy landings in 1944. Meanwhile, a wreath was laid at Wembley in remembrance of those who gave their lives and flags were flown at half-mast at the national stadium and St. George’s Park.
On D-Day, more than 150,000 troops mainly from Britain, the US and Canada, landed on the beaches of Normandy. Accounts suggest between 2,500 and 4,000 Allied troops are thought to have lost their lives. At least double those losses were estimated to have been suffered on the German side.
