Richard Foord, MP for Tiverton and Honiton writes for the Herald.

Next week, on 6th June, many of us will be marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

This bold military operation was massively successful at harnessing the element of surprise, which resulted in the liberation of France and much of occupied Europe. It was a key turning point in the war, which paved the way for peace, liberty and democracy to be restored.

The bravery on display during this campaign was second to none, showcasing the very best of our brave service personnel. Through grit and determination, those initial landings in Normandy were consolidated and then exploited.

The grand endeavour saw soldiers from more than ten nations take to landing craft and storm the beaches – including those from the United States, Australia, Denmark, Greece, New Zealand, and of course many from here in East Devon.

I recently read about these events in the book ‘East Devon at War’. It tells of some of our forebears who volunteered to do their duty. The book was supported by museums across East Devon who opened their archives, such as at Axminster, Allhallows Honiton and the Axe Valley Heritage Museum in Seaton.

There were Army units made up of exiled Czechs and Poles stationed at Seaton, becoming a core part of the war-time community, with people opening-up their homes to help accommodate the soldiers.

East Devon was not immune from the ravages of the conflict. In 1943, local Brits hosted American units at Dunkeswell and Smeatharpe airfields. The book tells of how American troops in jeeps were dispersed in country lanes and woods, which suddenly disappeared overnight when D-Day came.

The Second World War was a seminal moment in British history. In the face of adversity and hardship, we came together to defend our values and stand up for liberty in the face of warmongering dictators. In the end, through perseverance, we triumphed and ushered in a new age for Europe.

Today, with security threats darkening the horizon, it’s time we channelled the spirit of those who fought for our futures on the beaches of France. I know that my generation is ready to serve and to volunteer just as previous generations have stepped up. It won’t require a bossy Conservative Government to make it so.

I know from my own service that the most dedicated professional service personnel serve because we want to. We should be proud of D Day. We will not allow others to extinguish the flame of liberalism that has burned brightly in western Europe ever since.