Today 80 years ago was a momentous day in history, when circa 150,000 men stormed the Normandy beaches to rescue Europe from tyranny. I have read more books about D Day than I care to remember. Being a former soldier, I find the stories of those who served during the war utterly absorbing. The television coverage of today's commemorative events was brilliant and very moving. Many I spoke to today admitted they'd been in tears, such is the emotional power of this remarkable event. It's impossible to imagine the violence and horror that those young men were subjected to as they hit the beaches, many thousands being killed or wounded in the process. I was privileged to attend two commemorative parades today. The first was held at the US Memorial in Victoria Gardens on Portland. Parking my motorcycle nearby, I was staggered at the number of people who attended the event. I would guess about 1,000. The Rector of Portland, the delightful Reverend Tim Gomm, took the poignant Service. There were several VIPs, including the charming Mayor of Portland, Cllr Sheila Miles. What a special lady she is. I was also introduced to two D Day veterans. One had been in the Royal Navy, the other the Royal Tank Regiment. It was an honour to meet both men, who clearly recalled that day on the 6th of June, 1944. I and many others laid wreaths before the Service ended and we headed to the port for a bite to eat before the second parade at the Cenotaph at 1400 on the top of Portland. We were all very grateful to the port's CEO, Bill Reeves, for generously laying on some food and a place to rest before heading up the hill. I parked my motorcycle in The Heights Hotel car park and walked over to the Cenotaph where everyone was gathering. Tim took the Service again quite superbly and once more we laid wreaths. The crowd was smaller this time, but the event just as poignant. There were many people to chat to and I was delighted to see Cllr Sandy West, who read a touching poem, written by a young soldier who later sadly was killed. I can only thank the organisers for laying on such a special day. It reminded us all of the price of freedom and the terrible cost in human lives to retain it. It was a day I will remember for a long time to come.