Each year the first event of Liberation Day brings a crowd, and morning sun welcomed rows of onlookers rather than the forecasted rain.
The parade was inspected by the Lt-Governor Lt-General Sir Richard Cripwell and the Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon before a church service led by the Dean, the Very Rev. Tim Barker.
‘Liberation marks the end of an appalling conflict and an appalling experience for the Bailiwick and I think increasingly, we don’t understand the casual courage that was required of people to just live their lives under occupation,’ said the Lt-Governor.
‘It’s a celebration, of course, but it reminds us not simply of the strength of character of the people who were there at those times, but the strength of character that people showed after the war to rebuild the society that we’ve got.
‘It is a day has been stressed so well today in the church but remembering these things, brings with it a responsibility to ensure that everyone does what they can to make sure it doesn’t happen again, it’s hugely special.’
Watch: Some of the sights and sounds from Saturday’s Liberation 81 parade
The parade was made up of local cadets and islanders who served in the forces.
Visiting military included 201 Squadron, Guernsey’s Own, the 16th Signal Regiment and the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment.
‘I think that for me, the key point is about service. People serve in all sorts of ways. Some of them will do it in uniform. Some of them will do it in other ways,’ said Sir Richard.
‘Seeing the Armed Forces again on this day in particular reminds us of being liberated and the way in which the Armed Forces conducted themselves at the time, it reminds us that we do not live in a safe and peaceful world, and that there are still men and women who are prepared to serve to guarantee the safety of others.
‘They stand as an example to everybody that a life of service is a meaningful life.’
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