Wreaths have been laid at a memorial service in Jersey to mark 80 years since D-Day.

The largest seaborne invasion in history marked the beginning of liberation in Western Europe in World War II, and islanders have been paying their respects to those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom. 

Crowds gathered at the Cenotaph in St Helier at 12:30pm for the service, which was also attended by the Lieutenant Governor Vice Admiral Jeremy Kyd, Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq and Chief Minister Deputy Lyndon Farnham.

 Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham pictured with a wreath, alongside the LG Jerry Kyd

Lieutenant Governor Vice Admiral Jerry Kyd tells us what it means to him to commemorate this anniversary: 

"As a military man it is always very poignant, very humbling as well.

"For me as I get older, I get more emotional about it. 

"You recognise the sacrifices that families and normal people made during the war and still make in the armed forces around the world.

"This is just my way of saying thank you very much, and we will not forget them."

From left to right, Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham, Ernie Thorne and his wife Mary, Dr Karen Kyd, LG Jerry Kyd

Ernie Thorne, the last known surviving Jersey Normandy Veteran, was there to pay his respects. 

Yesterday (June 5), the former soldier was greeted by King Charles in Portsmouth as part of the national D-Day memorial events.

READ MORE: Jersey's last surviving Normandy veteran meets King Charles

Prince William and Queen Camilla were also in the seaside town, where two historic Dakota military transport planes performed a flypast.

During their conversation, the 100-year-old was overheard suggesting the monarch visit Jersey.

Ernie Thorne meeting King Charles, credit: Sky News

Ernie Thorne has also been honoured with a portrait at the Town Hall in St Helier as part of the island's D-Day commemorations. 

READ MORE: Jersey's last living Normandy veteran honoured with portrait

Islanders have been invited to view the painting, which is now on permanent display. 

Later this evening (June 6), a further service is taking place at the Second World War memorial at Noirmont Point. 

It'll be taking place at 8:30pm and will conclude will the Bailiff of Jersey, Sir Tim Le Cocq lighting a beacon to mark the anniversary. 

The service is part of a project that spans across the British Isles during which towns and cities will ignite beacons collectively at 9:15pm to pay their respects.

Bailiff Sir Tim Le Cocq

Sir Tim Le Cocq says marking this anniversary is of huge significance: 

"The simple fact is when you look back at anything in the Second World War, whether you're looking back at D-Day, whether you're looking back at Liberation Day, there are very few people who have direct memory.

"As time goes on, those people won't be with us anymore so its really important, whilst there are still those for whom it is a real lived experience, to commemorate it.

"It's trite to say so perhaps, but these events are emblematic of who we are, who we have been and to an extent, who we still are. 

"It doesn't hold us in the past but it gives us the past to help us into the future."