Falmouth commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day

The ceremony started with standard bearers marching to the war memorial in Kimberley Park taking post prior to a service conducted by Rev Raphael Duckett, chaplaincy team leader, RNAS Culdrose.

Taking time to remember (Image: Paul Armstrong/Newsquest)

Veterans, dignitaries, members of the public and school children listened as Rev Duckett urged people to remember those who had fallen on D-Day 80 years ago and to honour their sacrifices.

At 10:55am Mick Stevens RNA gave the exhortation” - “They Shall Grow Not Old As We That Are Left Grow Old Age Shall Not Weary Them Or The Years Condemn.

“At The Going Down Of The Sun, And In The Morning We Will Remember Them.”

The standards march to the monument (Image: Paul Armstrong/Newsquest)

The Last Post was then sounded by veteran bugler Bill Bishop followed by a two minute silence.

Hartley Palmer from Falmouth School read a Poem for Schools about D-Day (Image: Paul Armstrong/Newsquest)

Hartley Palmer from Falmouth School read a Poem for Schools about D-Day, followed by wreath laying by former Falmouth mayor Steve Eva and his wife and Lieutenant Commander Trevor Brooks would be delighted to talk to media.

The standards in post (Image: Paul Armstrong/Newsquest)

Following the laying of the wreaths a lone piper played recalling the single piper who came ashore on the British beach Gold in Normandy 80 years ago today.

The piper plays at the ceremony (Image: Paul Armstrong/Newsquest)

One of the veterans attending the service was Ian Stobie vice chair of the Royal Naval Association Falmouth, who retired as a former logistics officer after serving 34 years in Royal Navy.

Veterans and dignitaries gathered at the service (Image: Paul Armstrong/Newsquest)

He told the Packet: “We’re here to remember those who went before us who actually made the ultimate sacrifice and at the moment this a is being repeated across the channel with the veterans who actually did the work on the day, remembering their “oppos” who didn’t come back.

Local school children were also present (Image: Paul Armstrong/Newsquest)

“It is important that the young people, our next generation, understand what they did, what we have done, and be prepared to stand up and if necessary fight.

Event Marshal Tom French PARA makes the salute (Image: Paul Armstrong/Newsquest)

He said the ceremony in Kimberley Park was “low-key but perfect” with the sun shining.

“There’s been a good turn-out and the young lad from Falmouth School was absolutely excellent,” he said.

This afternoon the commemoration continues at 3pm when a flotilla of 80 boats will make its way down the channel of the Carrick Roads passing between Black Rock and Pendennis Point before finishing off Gyllyngvase Beach .