HUNDREDS of people turned out to support the D-Day parade through Wrexham city centre this afternoon (June 6).
To mark the 80th anniversary of Allied troops landing at Normandy, Wrexham played it's part in remembering those who risked their lives during World War Two.
A service was held in St Giles Church, before a parade through the city centre to the Normandy Veterans' Memorial at Bodhyfryd.
A short wreath laying service then took place at the memorial, with hundreds of residents in attendance, along with several pupils from schools across Wrexham.
The parade was be led by the Corps of Drums and Standard Bearers, members of the armed forces community, the Mayor of Wrexham Councillor Beryl Blackmore, and Wrexham Council’s Armed Forces Champion Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones.
The parade also included crew members from HMS Dragon, and it will be the first time the crew has visited Wrexham since the city was officially affiliated with the warship at the end of April.
Wrexham residents lined the streets from St Giles, up Hope Street, Queen's Street and Lampit Street before gathering on mass to watch the ceremony at the memorial.
The last post was played as Wrexham remembered those who lost their lives on the shores of Northern France, while other hymns and prayers were read aloud to those in attendance.
Sarah Atherton, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Wrexham, said: “To mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, I was honoured to attend a service and lay a wreath at the Normandy Veterans’ Memorial, Bodhyfryd.
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"We paid our respects to those who fought bravely and died so that we may live in freedom and peace today. Their sacrifice serves as a timeless symbol of unity, the value of peace, and the pursuit of freedom in the face of an increasingly unstable world. As a veteran, I am deeply proud of Wrexham’s rich military heritage, and it was particularly touching to see residents lining the streets to pay their respects."
A spokesperson for North Wales Police said: "Anyone in the city centre this afternoon will have witnessed the tremendous attendance at the parade to remember the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy landings.
"From the corps of drums, the veterans associations, armed services, cadets, MPCT, schools, civic leaders and members of the public lining the streets, it was a fantastic turn out and something to make you proud of Wrexham."
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