WE will remember them. Hundreds of war veterans, civic dignitaries, young and old across our communities yesterday united to remember the men and women who have fought and died for their country.

People stood in silence to reflect on those who had shown such bravery and courage in the two world wars and other international conflicts.

Hundreds turned out to the annual remembrance service held at Southampton's Cenotaph in the city centre.

Troops from HMS Southampton, 17 Port and Maritime Regiment from Marchwood, HMS King Alfred, the Air Training Corps, Seven Troop Millbrook Army cadets and service veterans, led a parade from the civic centre to the Cenotaph for a 45-minute multicultural remembrance service.

On a cold and wet morning, which saw one young Army cadet treated by St John Ambulance for exposure, the Bishop of Southampton Rev Jonathan Gledhill led a service featuring prayers from the Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Jewish communities.

City MPs John Denham and Alan Whitehead then led councillors and representatives from all sections of society in a wreath laying ceremony.

For 89-year-old D-Day veteran Ernie Spacagna, from the city centre, it was an emotional occasion.

"It's a sad day," he said.

"I remember landing at Sword Beach on D-Day under heavy German machine gun fire. We were lucky, we only lost eight of our company."

Large crowds gathered at other remembrance services across Hampshire too in a year that has seen British troops at war in Iraq,

In Winchester a single bugle player sounded the Last Post before the cathedral grounds fell silent.

For 68-year-old Kenneth Long of Winchester it was a chance to remember the friends he served with in the Royal Air Force who never came home.

During his 12 years in the RAF Mr Long served in Cyprus in 1956 on a peace keeping mission during the bitter conflict between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

"Today is a day for memories and thoughts. It was a long time ago but we will never forget them."

Led by the Mayor of Winchester Councillor Jean Hammerton, 38 wreaths were placed at the war memorial dedicated to the 9,635 Hampshire servicemen and women who died during the two world wars.

Organisers of the remembrance service in Totton said they had one of their best turnouts despite the rain.

Ian Middleton, chairman of Totton and Eling British Legion said: "I was very surprised. The numbers seem to be increase every year."

In Fareham Scouts placed wreaths in front of the town's West Street memorial.

In the New Forest remembrance services were held in New Milton, Keyhaven, Milford, Lymington, Sway, Lyndhurst and Hordle.

Councillor Kevin Ault helped organise the Lymington ceremony and the traditional parade from the town hall to St Thomas' Church.

"Every year there are fewer veterans but we had lots of young people which was very good to see."

WAR veterans stood side by side with young servicemen and women at a Remembrance Day service in Portchester on Saturday.

The shopping precinct provided the backdrop for the outdoor service and was led by Canon Michael Cooper.

Hymns and prayers were said in memory of those who died in battle and those who fought and survived.

Addresses were also given by Deputy Mayor, David Swanbrow, and Portchester councillor, Roger Price.

Cllr Price said of the veterans and the fallen: "Those of us who live in our free country can never thank them enough."