Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is preparing to honour veterans in Portsmouth on the 80th anniversary of D-Day, June 5.
As the country readies to pay homage to those involved in an audacious military operation, constabulary teams are ensuring a safe and dignified event.
At the heart of the National Commemorative Event are the veterans. Collaboration between the constabulary and organisers aims to enable these individuals, who sacrificed so much, to reflect upon and remember their former colleagues.
Evidence of preparations is already visible on Southsea Common and event organisers, including the Ministry of Defence, have introduced a wide range of security measures.
Specialist constabulary teams are conducting land, sea, and air patrols, including drones, to prevent any disruptions to the day's tributes and thoughtful reflections.
On June 5, residents, businesses, and visitors to Portsmouth will note an increased police presence. A variety of policing personnel, including search dogs and the marine unit, will be conducting patrols.
The events on the Common are ticketed, with no other public vantage points available, reminding those living and working in the area.
However, the event will receive live TV coverage.
More information about the National Commemorative event is available at D-Day 80 (dday80.campaign.gov.uk). For information on other D-Day 80 events in Portsmouth from June 5-9, visit D-Day 80 - Portsmouth (visitportsmouth.co.uk). Additional information on the D-Day story can be found at theddaystory.com.
Assistant chief constable Robert France said: "This event is about honouring our veterans and ensuring they get the opportunity they deserve to commemorate this historically significant day.
"As a force, it is a real honour to be playing our part to make sure they can do this with dignity and respect.
"They made great sacrifices for us all, so it is only right that they are able to mark this poignant anniversary in the city that many of them set off from all those years ago.
"This is all part of our policing operation to allow the veterans the time to remember those lost and ensure their legacy is passed down to the next generation so that their sacrifices made during the D-Day landings are never forgotten."
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