People and groups in Huntingdon came together on June 6 to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

Huntingdon Town Council hosted an 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings Memorial Service on Market Hill in Huntingdon - in front of the 'Thinking Soldier' War Memorial.

The service began at 10.50am with a welcome message and a prayer from the mayor's Chaplain, the Reverend Jon Randall.

A member of the Huntingdon branch of the Royal British Legion then read out The Act of Remembrance, inviting the large crowd to remember those who took part in D-Day.

Harrison Cullen, a Year Eight student at Hinchingbrooke School, read out a poem which retold the events that took place 80 years ago on June 6, which was then followed by a bugler sounding The Last Post.

Harrison Cullen, a Year Eight student from Hinchingbrooke School, read a poem at the service.Harrison Cullen, a Year Eight student from Hinchingbrooke School, read a poem at the service. (Image: Ken Challenger)

A two-minute silence took place, which ended after the bugler sounded the Reveille. After that, another member of the Huntingdon Royal British Legion recited the words inscribed on the Kohima Memorial in India.

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Wreaths were then laid on the Thinking Soldier War Memorial.

On behalf of The Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Daryl Brown MBE DL, laid the first.

On behalf of the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, David Way laid the second. The mayor of Huntingdon, Cllr Karl Brockett, laid the third on behalf of Huntingdon Town Council. 

Speaking to The Hunts Post about the memorial service, the mayor said: "Huntingdon Town Council have done an amazing job putting together today's memorial service.

"I'd also like to thank the community for their support both at the memorial service and at the unveiling of Huntingdon in Bloom's latest work. It was lovely to see so many people."

"Without them, we just wouldn't have our lovely town."

Members of the Papworth Trust with their D-Day wreath.Members of the Papworth Trust with their D-Day wreath. (Image: Newsquest)

Wreaths were also laid by representatives from the St John Ambulance Service, the Papworth Trust, the Royal British Legion, and Huntingdon election candidate Ben Obese-Jecty, who is  a veteran himself.

Mr Obese-Jecty said: "There has been incredible support in the town today. We're getting fewer opportunities to commemorate D-Day with our veterans, so it's important for everyone to gather today.

"As a veteran myself, I know several people that didn't come home with us, so it's important that we come here today to remember them." 

The memorial service finished with a closing prayer.