US Memorial Day will be hosted by the new mayor of Weymouth this coming Bank Holiday.
A ceremony to mark the day will be hosted Cllr Jon Orrell on Monday, May 27, to honour the servicemen and woman of the US armed forces who served during the Second World War.
Members of the public are being invited to attend a short wreath laying service at 11am at the US Memorial on the seafront.
READ: 80th anniversary of D-Day to be celebrated in Weymouth
Cllr Orrell said: “I feel delighted to host this special event which recognises the many thousands of US personnel who left Weymouth harbour for D-Day in 1944.
“This year’s celebration is particularly poignant as it occurs just ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
READ: Full schedule of D-Day 80th anniversary events across Dorset
"This milestone anniversary provides us with an important opportunity to reflect on the immense courage and determination displayed by the troops who participated in the Normandy landings.”
The US Memorial is located on the promenade adjacent to the Royal Hotel and was unveiled on December 3, 1947.
It was rededicated in June 1999 and further renovation work was carried out in 2012 by local stonemasons.
READ: Full day of events for D-Day in Weymouth and Portland
A spokesperson for the town council added: "The town council is honoured to shine a light on the remembrance memorials along Weymouth Promenade throughout the year, celebrating the brave individuals who served and sacrificed during times of war.
"At the US Memorial, there is a heart-warming message attached to a photo of a couple who married just before the US soldier went off to France and was injured on Omaha Beach.
READ: Pictures show preparation for D-Day in Weymouth & Portland
"It shows the happy couple Weymouth cinema usherette Doris Mockridge and private Ernest Webster of the United States 1st Infantry Division.
"This touching story encapsulates the personal sacrifices and enduring love that characterized this period.
The council added: "In addition to this poignant discovery, last year we installed an interpretation board at the steps in Greenhill Gardens to remember the US soldiers bound for the frontline during World War Two.
"The Rangers Way board honours the 225 brave individuals who descended these steps in 1944, as they marched towards Weymouth Pavilion before their departure for Normandy, France."
The project was started by Weymouth resident Tim Goodwin with funding and support from the Friends of Greenhill Gardens and Weymouth Town Council.
It serves as a powerful reminder of their courage and critical role they played in Weymouth's history.
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