Veterans Day takes place every June in Weymouth. Most years, there is a re-enactment of the D-Day battles. Troops disembark from Landing Craft , wade ashore and fight mock gun battles on the beach. They then build a temporary bridge on the beach and drive tanks and lorries across it. A number of military vehicles display on the Pavilion Theatre forecourt and parade along the Esplanade. On the Sunday, hundreds of veterans from all the armed forces and auxiliaries engage in the Service at the War Memorial, before marching down the sea front to the Pavilion. Because all this happens right in front of Aaran House, we have a grandstand view.

Veterans Day Parade

For some reason, in 2016, they decided to use “pirates” as the enemy formation on the beach. Anyway, our heroic troops soon overcame the resistance. The march past took place next day and ended right by our front door, as usual.

It is always a stirring sight to see the Old Soldiers marching past, displaying their medals and the whole weekend is one of many Weymouth Events not to be  missed.

Old Soldiers march past