Dorchester Armed Forces Day parade

The event earlier today saw large crowds in the county town, as people lined the route to pay tribute to the heroes who served and died for their country.

A marching band led the way through the streets of Dorchester, followed by veterans, standard bearers, serving armed forces personnel and cadets as well as other organisations.

The parade was followed by a procession of seven military vehicles from both the UK and US and a surgeon’s car.

The parade marched through the town and into the Borough Gardens where a civic service was held.

This year’s event was even more poignant as it marked the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the Normandy landings.

Reverend Geoffrey Walsh welcomed everyone before hymns were sung and prayers offered.

The Last Post was sounded and the Kohima Epitaph read, which said: “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today.”

Kenneth Holland, from Weymouth, served with the Royal Army Service Corp. He marched in the parade and said it was important to remember. When asked what the day meant to him, he said: “It means nostalgia.”

Daniel Roberts from Dorchester, served with the Royal Navy, said the parade was a time to remember. He added that Armed Forces Day meant a lot to him. He said: “It means remembering the contribution the forces have given to the country.”

Gerald and Sandra Goodfield live in Gloucester but have been coming down to Dorset for 47 years.

Mr Goodfield served in the Dorset Regiment in Hong Kong and Korea, he said it was nice to keep the parade going. He added: “It’s brilliant.”

Mrs Goodfield said: “It’s nice for the young children to see it too.”

Following the service the crowds in the Borough Gardens were treated to music by the Wessex Military Band and Dorchester Big Band.