25-03-2025
Tears shed as York Normandy veteran recites poem at honorary Strensall event
A York D-Day veteran was honoured at an annual event and his recital from a Second World War poem was greeted with warm applause and a few tears were shed.
Ken Cooke, 99, and his support crew were invited to Spearehead Community Cafe at St Mary's Church in Strensall on March 19, for what has become an annual event.
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Volunteers from Spearehead Community Cafe with Ken Cooke (Image: Mick Child) Nick Beilby from York Normandy Veterans said: "The volunteers had arranged for maximum attendance and made a great fuss of Ken and his friends.
"The bacon sandwiches, cake, and coffee were superb.
"Ken read the moving poem The Veteran and there was a stunned silence and tears followed by great applause.
"He picked up a copy at Pegasus Bridge in Normandy some years back and it perfectly encapsulates what Ken and all the others who contributed to the war effort went through."
Ken was presented with a cheque for more than £250, which will go towards an oak bench commemorating York Normandy veterans on the Soldier's Lawn in York Cemetery.
A member of the Fishergate Army Cadets, Ken was called up on his 18th birthday before being posted to The Green Howards 7th Battalion.
It was from there he became involved in the June 6 D-Day landing in 1944.
