Back in June 1979 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the D-day landings, Bournemouth and the local area saw hundreds of American and Canadian veterans return to England taking part in locally organised tributes named Operation Friendly Invasion. A tribute Military and Youth Parade took place on June 1st with over two thousand people taking part in the mile long procession to mark the occasion. Starting at Braidley Road the tribute parade travelled through the town centre with American and Canadian veterans and British Legion members among the many soldiers on the march. Music was provided by 10 bands, including the Damascus High School Band from Washington and eight majorette troupes and former GI's also took part in their colourful headgear which added to the American atmosphere of the occasion. The parade organised on military lines, included many standard bearers from ex-service organisations.
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