East Devon Second World War veterans were among the hundreds who gathered in Exmouth to remember the thousands of allied soldiers who "gave their today for our tomorrow" during the D-Day landings 70 years ago.
The momentous day involving around 160,000 Allied soldiers landing on Normandy beaches on June 6, 1944, remains the largest amphibious invasion in history.
Of the troops to land, thousands of whom perished, 73,000 were American, 61,715 British and 21,400 Canadian.
In addition, the assault involved 195,700 Allied naval and merchant navy personnel in more than 5,000 ships.
To mark 70 years since the invasion of "fortress Europe" which preempted the downfall of Hitler's Third Reich and the end of the Second World War, a moving and rousing ceremony took place at the war memorial in Phear Park this morning.
It was organised by former member of the Royal Navy, Lionel Howell, 75, who over the years, through his now wound-up organisation, the 531st Tribute Fund, has raised thousands for forces causes.
Having been part of the Home Guard for 12 months aged just 16, on June 6, 1944, RAF veteran Len Ingram, 90, from Exmouth was part of a squadron which helped assemble the American glider crews.
Around 500 gliders were towed across the Channel carrying crews of around 30 men as well as jeeps and field guns to be dropped off in the fields of Normandy.
"I remember taking the men out to the gliders," he recalled. "Everyone was filled with trepidation.
"The sky was filled with planes.
"I remember thinking, I'm glad it's not me out there.
"That day has always stood out in my memory."
Speaking of the ceremony he added: "It's sad – remembering what happened to them."
On D-Day, aged 18, Royal Navy veteran Dennis Drew, 88, formerly from Exmouth but who now lives in Poole, was a radar operator aboard one of the ships which led the American rangers on the landing crafts into shore, which had the role of protectors.
"It was a day of chaos, noise and tragedy," he recalled.
"We left Weymouth early evening and arrived off Normandy at around 6.45am.
"The sea was so rough the first wave of boats couldn't land and boats were capsizing," he added.
"The thought was in the backs of our minds that we could be injured or killed, but as teenagers we felt excitement at being involved but we didn't appreciate how momentous it would prove.
"It was when we got back to England three or four days later that we realised the impact it had.
"The older I became, the more I'd realise what it meant."
He added: "The 70th anniversary is something I never thought I'd live to see. It's brought back memories.
"It should never be forgotten."
The ceremony included a parade by the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Corps of Drums and the Exeter Pipes and Drums bands and a performance by the Exmouth Town Concert Band.
The Regimental Sergeant Major of the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Warrant Officer 1 Phil Gilby, Royal Navy and RAF cadets, Royal British Legion Exmouth branch members, town crier Roger Bourgein and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Maddie Chapman were also in attendance.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Mayor of Exmouth, Councillor Bill Nash, said: "Today remember back 70 years ago to June 6, 1944.
"We remember with The Normandy Veterans Association the sacrifice made on those five Normandy Beaches where 160,000 allied solders mounted the largest sea invasion ever seen – Operation Overloard.
"At Gold and Sword beaches 66,000 British landed, at Utah and Omaha beaches, 73,000 Americans landed and at Juno beach, 21,400 Canadians landed.
"All these men were alongside 195,700 allied naval personnel in 6,939 ships plus our airmen and 11,900 aircrafts.
"This act of bravery an sacrifice "changed the course of the Second World War". It was truly the beginning of the end so it is not surprising that on Friday June 6, 19 world leaders met in Normandy to remember the D-Day fallen and pay tribute on this 70th anniversary to those heroes of 1944.
"Three generations of our Royal family were present and the youngest, Prince William Duke of Cambridge, said: "It is vital the sacrifice and the reasons for that sacrifice, are never forgotten by our generation and generations to come".
"So we are also remembering in Phear Park, but because of an additional reason – 2,400 American troops of the 12th Infantry Regiment were camped right here before leaving for the Normandy beaches.
"A few weeks prior to their arrival, 1,500 men of the 531st Engineer Shore Regiment had also been camped all over Exmouth.
"In 1996 a group of local residents promised an American Second World War veteran who was on a visit to Pear Park, that they would ensure that all D-Day veterans were remembered annually.
"This they have done every year since and will continue to honour these D-Day Memorials, lest we forget, let us remember, they gave their tomorrow for our today."
