D-day Memorial Service

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This morning at 11am, a minute's silence was held in memory of those who fought on D-day June 6th 1944, some 73 years ago.

This memorial stands facing the very beaches from where many of those fought left on the night of June 5th. For many, it would be the last part of their home country on which they stood. For many others, it was their last night ashore before setting off for Normandy after having arrived from many different countries.

The D-Day museum (currently closed for refurbishment) website tells us:

"The majority of troops who landed on the D-Day beaches were from the United Kingdom, Canada and the US. However, troops from many other countries participated in D-Day and the Battle of Normandy, in all the different armed services: Australia, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, France, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Poland."

Today's ceremony, organised by The Royal British Legion, Portsmouth South, began at 10:45 am.

Prayers were lead by the Reverend Dawn Banting. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Royal British Legion, The Lord Mayor's Office, The Normandy Veterans' Association and The Caen-Portsmouth Friendship Committee (Twinning Association).

Hymns sung were 'Eternal Father, strong to save' and 'I vow to thee my country'

The Exortation, The Last Post, The Reveille and The Blessing were all performed, before the singing of National Anthem brought the service to an end.

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Portsmouth Cllr Lee Mason, laid a wreath for remembrance here in Portsmouth, in Caen the Lord Mayor Cllr Ken Ellcombe, will be laying a wreath on behalf of our city.

The News (Portsmouth's local newspaper) has featured the event:

Here is the link to the article on 'The News' Website