Dorchester gathered to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of D-Day with a service at the county hall.

Taking place outside the county hall in Colliton Park at 9am on Thursday, June 6, the service started with a royal proclamation, read aloud by the Dorchester Town Crier, Anthony Harrison.

Cllr Stella Jones, chair of Dorset Council then took to the stage to welcome the guests before the St Osmund’s School Choir sung Dona Nobis Pacem.

Dorset Echo: The Royal British Legion County Chairman, Grant Parrott then asked representatives from the Royal Naval Association, ABF the Soldiers’ Charity , the RAF Benevolent Fund, the Merchant Navy Association and the Normandy Memorial Trust.

Dorset Echo: The US First Infantry Division from Fort Riley in Kansas was also present. The Last Post was then played before the D-Day 80 flag of peace was then raised.

Revd John Yarrien, Superintendent Minister, Dorset South and West Methodist Circuit, then led an act of remembrance and commitment. The National Anthem was then played and sung by the choirs and visitors.

Anthony Harrison, Dorchester Town Crier, said: “It was an honour to be asked to participate on behalf of Dorchester and the county - to deliver the national declaration. 

“My grandfather was part of D-Day and thankfully survived to the age of 99, but my family will be especially remembering him today.”

Dorset Echo: Robin Potter, mayor of Dorchester, said: “It was a wonderful ceremony, and the children sang wonderfully. It was great to welcome our American friends as it was a joint enterprise.

“If only we had peace longer for all of us. We will remember them. We will always remember them.”

Dorset Echo: Colonel Charles L Montgomery of the US First Infantry Division said: “We’re based at Fort Riley in Kansas, USA- home of the 1st infantry division contingent supporting the D-Day contingent and we came here to take part in two ceremonies celebrating D-Day with our British partners.

“It’s absolutely vital to remember the sacrifice of all those who lost their lives in 1944 and a reminder that war will never end- we will always be in a state of conflict. 

“It’s important to continue our alliance and fight tyranny across the globe to live in peace.”