VETERANS joined together to salute more than 100 wreaths of remembrance as they left Southampton onboard a cruise liner bound for America.

Former servicemen and women saluted as Cunard's Queen Mary 2 sailed past Mayflower Park.

Charities and organisations including the Romsey Old Cadets, Southampton Veterans Trust and Sea Cadets were all in attendance.

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The occasion marked the start of The Veterans Charity's Routes of Remembrance 2022 tour - aimed at honouring the fallen - with the wreaths bound for New York.

The wreaths on the liner will be distributed by veterans groups across the US and Canada to important memorial sites such as the cemetery at Arlington.

Earlier today at around 1pm a Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight performed a flypast over the Queen Mary 2 while she was docked in Southampton.

Chair of the Southampton Veterans Trust, Colin Gaylor, said the commemorations - held on the 77th anniversary of VE Day - are “very important” for the city.

He said: “A lot of troops who have gone across in the past are from Southampton, but people forget this city has had a major, major part in wars that have happened.

“It is very important for the city of Southampton and the veterans but it is also the Jubilee year, so this is a commemorative event as well as a celebration.

“I would like to thank the Southampton Sea Cadets, Romsey Old Cadets and the Veterans of Southampton."

Eric Olsen, a former Chaplain Colonel of the US Army, joined the ceremony after a chance meeting with Colin at the Red Lion pub.

He said: “These men and women have served in many places, and they carry these stories, but all too often they carry them inside and never let them out.

“It’s events like this that allow them to let those stories out.

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“There is arrogance and ignorance in the world and if we are not careful, it will become the norm. It is right to be honourable.”

Queen Mary 2 Captain Aseem Hashmi received the final wreath on board from former First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, when the Hurricane performed its flypast.

Crowds had gathered at Hythe Marina to watch the Hurricane soar across a sunny sky.

Danny Greeno, The Veterans Charity Chief Executive, said: “We were looking for a very poignant way to send the wreaths across the Atlantic and through Cunard we saw a wonderful opportunity.

“It is very important for everybody all around the world. Our lives have been impacted in various ways through conflict, so it is up to us to remember that and keep remembrance going.

“It is wonderful and we are very proud to have made it happen.”