RESPECTS were paid by the people of Weymouth and Portland as they gathered on the Esplanade to honour the American soldiers who served and died during the Second World War.

A service was held at the American War Memorial today to recognise the hundreds of thousands of American personnel who left Weymouth and Portland for D-Day in 1944.

US representative, Master Sergeant Lynwood Newman, who moved to Weymouth from Philadelphia 1989 said: "It's important to honor the millions of Americans that died as a result of war.

"It's hard when you think about all the lives lost and the sacrifices that were made.

"It's great to see so many people here at the front today.

"We've gone through many changes to make this a national holiday."

The memorial, made of Portland stone and was erected in 1947.

It records that 517,816 troops and 144,093 vehicles embarked at Weymouth between June 6 1944 and May 7 1945.

Margaret Craige, 64 from Weymouth said: "It's important that we do this and honour those who fought and lost their lives for us.

"I always make the effort to come to memorial services like this one.

"I think it is important to a lot of people in Weymouth which is shown by the crowds here today."

Crowds stood in silence as the flags of the standard bearers were lowered as the Last Post sounded across the bay before the national anthem was played.

Father Richard Harper led the service on the Esplanade and welcomed the crowds to the act of remembrance.

He said: "This memorial reflects the part played by Weymouth.

"It was a real honour to speak at the service today and it was really interesting to do the research behind it."

Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, Cllr Christine James and Sergeant Newman, alongside other servicemen and representatives lay wreaths on the memorial.

Loving messages such as 'remembering all those who saved, fought and died in our honour' were placed with the wreaths.