The annual Armed Forces' Day in Weymouth and what an event it turned out to be. With the Promenade shut from 1000, I had to ensure I was at the Pavilion car park in good time, so on a sunny day I resorted to my motorbike. Arriving in good time, I walked over to the Pavilion where VIPs et al were meeting. The Mayor, Cllr Gill Taylor was there, looking resplendent in her Mayoral gowns, as were the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, and Brigadier Fraser, a serving Royal Marine, based in Bristol, Matt Prosser, the CEO of the Tri-Council and of course many councillors themselves. At about 1030 we all piled into a coach and were dropped outside the Prince Regent Hotel for the first part of the parade. It was while we were waiting to head out to the Cenotaph that I had a lovely experience, which I'd like to share with you. I noticed an elderly gentleman, wearing the distinctive green beret, sitting in a wheelchair. I inquired who he was, to be told it was thought he is the last surviving member of No 4 Commando, which, under Lord Lovat, stormed ashore on Sword Beach on 6 June, 1944, their task to relieve airborne troops who had taken Pegasus Bridge in the early hours of that morning. The name of this remarkable man is Arthur Robinson, who is 94. I chatted to him and discovered that he could recall all this experiences, and while doing so, had the pleasure to meet this son, grandson and daughter-in-law. Just before 1100, we all filed out into the now very warm sunshine, where veterans and many others were all lined up waiting for the Service to start. This was taken by the Reverend Tom Coopey, but just before he was about to open his mouth, we all heard the very distinctive growl of an aircraft engine. My eyes scoured the skies and then I saw it in all its glory: a Spitfire. My heart thumped as we watched it drop down to a few hundred feet and then roar past to loud cheers. It did this three times and certainly reminded me of the sacrifice of all those brave boys in blue who, outnumbered, fought over our island to secure our skies and prevent a German invasion. The Service was short and poignant, with my favourite hymn I Vow To Thee My Country taking centre stage. Service over, we sauntered down to the stands where we watched and clapped as the parade marched past. I am glad to say that we managed to secure a place in the shade for Arthur, who thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle. Then it was back to the Pavilion for a sing-song and a good old knees-up. Congratulations to the council for organising everything so well. It was a memorable, poignant and fitting day.