ROMSEY commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings with the town crier and wreaths in the War Memorial Park.
Thursday, June 6 marked the day when thousands of Allied troops stormed the beaches, turning the tide of the Second World War.
Along with town criers across the country, at 12pm Terry Hamer proclaimed: “Today we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, France - an incredible achievement in military planning and logistics uniting brave service personnel from air, sea and land forces at the beginning of Operation Overlord.
“By the day's end, over 150,000 allied troops had now stormed the now famous Gold, Juno, Sword, Utah and Omaha beaches to achieve a toehold in France.
READ MORE: D-Day landings vehicle on display at Royal Logistic Corps Museum
“In the weeks that followed, the Allies fought bitterly against a determined foe from the unforgiving countryside of Normandy to the liberation of Paris two months later.
“We should all remember and never forget the selfless sacrifice and courage of all those involved and use this commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today. God save the King.”
After this, a small group including the chairman of the Romsey Royal British Legion Peter Hurst and Mayor of Romsey John Parker made their way to the park to lay wreaths.
A recording of the Last Post was played and there followed a two-minute silence. Among those to lay wreaths were political rivals Caroline Nokes and Geoff Cooper.
Brenda Turner, the daughter of one of the three Romsey men killed on D-Day, George Philpott, attended. The 80-year-old said: "It has been a very emotional week. I have watched it all on the TV. People have been finding out about what happened to dad. Apparently his tank was blown up.
"He is part of me. I think it is very important for people to remember him, the younger ones especially. We have got a great grandson who is quite interested in it all. My daughter has a photograph of my dad on her sideboard. He is not forgotten."
Melvyn Cole, the Hampshire country secretary for the Royal British Legion, said: "It has been very good. It is the first time I have attended and I thought it was great to hear the town crier and see the crowd down at the memorial."
Crowds were then entertained by live music from Steve Whale at the Royal British Legion, in Love Lane, along with sandwiches and scones.
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