WORCESTER has lit a beacon in a city centre park to remember fallen soldiers on the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Hundreds of residents gathered in Fort Royal Park in the act of remembrance from 6pm yesterday (June 6).
Live music and singing from the Worcester Male Voice Choir was followed by a march from the Commandery to the beacon at 8pm.
A drum lead service followed with words from the lord lieutenant Mrs Beatrice Grant, the managing director of Worcester City Council, David Blake, various associations and the interim dean the Very Reverend Stephen Edwards.
Following this, the lord lieutenant lit the beacon at 9.15pm, and the last post was played and a minute's silence held.
John Bremner who had served for six years, said: "I arrived a bit early but I'm going to meet at the Commandry at 7pm for the veterans parade.
"I'm here to respect the fallen soldiers from 80 years ago now that they are not here now.
"During my time in the service, I don't want to forget my lads.
"I did two tours in Northern Ireland so I missed quite a lot of the horrific stuff.
"Watching the news I can see that a lot is happening and it has brought on a lot of emotions
"I just wish the youth of today knew what previous generations have done and their sacrifices."
The beacon lighting in Worcester was not alone as many more were lit up at the same time across the country and county, including in Honeybourne, Henley and Droitwich.
Mark Jackson who has served for 37 years said: "Today has been very emotional.
"I watched the beacon lighting on the BBC yesterday and it was very moving.
"I was in Cathedral Square this morning to remember D-day.
"I've been to Normandy a number of times.
"I was there once in the early morning and it was quite startling.
"My mother's first husband, from Worcester, was there on June 6 and he got shot and died and we found his name at the British memorial.
"Unfortunately I'm not taking part in the march today.
"I'm looking forward to the beacon lighting.
"In previous times there has been a chain so it would be lovely to see a beacon in the Malvern hills linking as well.
"What's important is the bigger picture, the younger generation need to understand, they need to know, which is why education is so important, so that it can never happen again.
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