Weymouth residents came together to remember the American soldiers that both fought and lost their lives during D-Day.
A ceremony hosted by Weymouth mayor, Cllr Jon Orrell was held on the seafront at the US Memorial to recognise the thousands of American soldiers who left Weymouth Harbour for D-Day 80 years ago.
During his speech, Cllr Orrell said: “My mother used to run a hotel near St Johns and she remembers the Americans arriving in high spirits and setting off – it didn’t end in such happy spirits.
“We are here to remember it and we do it with pride, honour and gratitude.”
Poppy Butcher who turns 96 this year was working on Portland during D-Day.
She attended the service alongside her son Kevin Butcher.
Poppy explained that during her time working on Portland she ‘saw it all happening,’ adding, ‘I knew it was happening because we saw the tanks and all the gliders flew over.’
Kevin recounted that on D-Day his mum was working in offices on Portland and all of the staff’s cameras were confiscated and they had to use a pass to get onto Portland during the build up to the day.
He said: “They knew something was happening and then one morning she went to work, and all the soldiers were gone.
“As my son says, when the Americans came over, they changed our culture forever – they brought spirit, music and even chocolate.”
On the 40th anniversary of D-Day, Poppy started organising the vehicle parade which takes place during Weymouth’s Veterans Day celebrations alongside her husband.
She said: “We started it and now my son has taken over although I do help behind the scenes – My husband was in the air force and used to drive a Jeep. We bought one and we still have it to this day.”
During the service there was a silence for the soldiers who fought. At this time, flags were lowered whilst everyone paid their respects.
There was also a wreath laying ceremony which saw Cllr Orrell lay the first wreath, followed by Richard Drax and veterans.
Richard Drax, Conservative MP for Dorset stood alongside the mayor whilst he was leading the ceremony.
He said: “It was an appropriate way to pay our respects and give thanks to all those brave American soldiers – many of whom died on the beach of Omaha.”
He continued: “Thanks to all those who have served including all those in the US army, navy and air force.”
A huge crowd of veterans, Weymouth residents and visitors all attended the ceremony.
There was also a wreath laying ceremony which saw Cllr Orrell lay the first wreath, followed by Richard Drax and veterans.
Rachel Jones from Weymouth is a veteran and she attended the ceremony alongside her husband who is also ex-army.
Rachel said: “We never miss any memorial events. We knew lots of people who were going and there was no excuse not to come and see it – This is something that we should never forget, it’s part of our history.”
Attendees also sang along to the Star-Spangled Banner and God save the King as a mark of respect.
Karen Huntley who is a GI baby also attended the service.
She said: “My dad was part of the 82nd division. If it wasn’t for the people of Weymouth, I would never have found my family. Someone from Wyke helped me to find my father.”
Sadly by the time Karen located her father he had died, but she has managed to visit America twice to meet her family.
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