Southampton: Hundreds attend 80th D-Day anniversary parade

Starting at 7.30pm on June 6, veterans and dignitaries filed into the remains of the church, while many onlookers lined the streets outside to watch the proceedings.

The poignant service featured music by the City of Southampton Albion Band, accompanied by the Southampton Choral Society.

The Right Reverend Philip Mountstephen, Bishop of Winchester, led the service.

Welcoming guests, the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr David Shields said: “Today we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

“We commemorate and remember those who have died and given sacrificially of their lives in conflicts and give thanks for deliverance from war.

“We ask God’s blessing upon this city and commit ourselves to the service of God and of humankind in the cause of peace.”

Other speakers at the service described how Southampton played a “vital role” in the D-Day landings.

"The people of Southampton were the unsung heroes behind the scenes, playing a pivotal role in the preparations for D-Day," Reverend Jacob Caldwell said. 

He added: "Southampton served as a home to the American army's 14th major port."

Andrea Garraway watched the parade with her son Cassius Ferdinand (Image: Newsquest)

A large procession then made its way from the church to Guildhall Square for the lighting of the beacon.

Andrea Garraway watched the parade with her son Cassius Ferdinand, aged nine.

She said: “It is really nice to come and support the parade.

“It has been emotional and sad to watch, especially with what is going on in the world right now.

“Even though we only caught the tail end of the parade, I think it has been well organised and good to watch.”

Amanda Stone attended the service to support her husband, who is a trustee of the Southampton Veterans Trust.

She said: "I am here to support the group who are at the service today. There are a lot of them.

"The members will also be taking part in the march to the Guildhall Square, where there will be the lighting of the beacon."