Details revealed for Salisbury's D-Day 80 commemorations
The City Council and local Royal British Legion branch are behind them
More details have been revealed on how Salisbury will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day next month.
Commemorations will take place on Thursday 6th June, and the weekend that follows it.
It's all been organised by the City Council and the Salisbury branch of the Royal British Legion.
A Town Crier's Proclamation and short service of Remembrance will be held at 8.00am on the day itself, at the War Memorial in the Guildhall Square.
The timing reflects all the activity that occurred in the early hours of D Day.
There'll also be a more formal Remembrance event - also at the War Memorial, led by the City Mayor with Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire in attendance - at 6.15pm on June 6th.
Anyone's welcome to either event.
Then on Saturday 8th June, the Royal British Legion will be hosting a Gala Dinner and Dance at the Guildhall |newtab), with proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal.
Nearly 1,500 British servicemen lost their lives on D-Day on 1944 with the names of 15 men from Salisbury who fell in the Normandy campaign, detailed on the South side of the City War.
In the build-up to D Day, Salisbury’s streets bustled with servicemen and particularly large numbers of GIs from the United States of America.
Victoria Park hosted performances by top performers of the day, such as the Glenn Miller band and even a boxing match with World Champion Joe Louis, to entertain the troops.
Cllr Sven Hocking, the Mayor of Salisbury said:
“Salisbury recognises the great bravery, and in many cases the ultimate sacrifice, made by thousands of men on this day eighty years ago, many of whom were from our City.
"We remember their courage with pride, sadness and humility in equal measure and pray that such an action will never be necessary again."
Bob Barwick, Vice President of Salisbury RBL said:
"6th June 1944 stands out as a pivotal moment in WW2, the acts of heroism, bravery and sacrifice on that day are inspiring and are locked in the annuls of British History.
"Alongside the International and National events, we feel it is important to provide an opportunity for Salisbury residents to come together and collectively remember what happened on this momentous day."