The event started with a parade by cadets and veterans around the marina.

Ipswich Star: The Dunkirk Little Ships added a splash of colour to the Waterfront yesterday Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.comThe Dunkirk Little Ships added a splash of colour to the Waterfront yesterday Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.com (Image: � Stephen Waller)

This was followed by a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony to commemorate those who took part in Operation Dynamo.

During the operation more than 330,000 soldiers were retrieved from the beaches of Dunkirk in the north of France by ships of all shapes and sizes.

The boats, often known as the little ships, spent ten days carrying soldiers back across the north sea.

Around 10,000 men never made it home from Dunkirk.

Ipswich Star: Around 20 of the vessels were docked at the marina Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.comAround 20 of the vessels were docked at the marina Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.com (Image: � Stephen Waller)

Today’s service was led by the associations honorary chaplain Reverend Gordon Warren.

He paid tribute to those who went out of their way to aid the soldiers at Dunkirk.

“Let us remember and never forget the sacrifice of the precious few who saved the many,” said Mr Warren.

“Such miracles are too important to forget or rubbish.”

Ipswich Star: Parade ahead of the ceremony Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.comParade ahead of the ceremony Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.com (Image: � Stephen Waller)

During the service he also highlighted the role of Peter Haines, the 14-year-old boy from Kessingland who insisted on joining the crews setting off for Dunkirk despite his young age.

Mr Warren also spoke of the admiration we should have for the ships which still remain long after the war has ended.

“They should all by now have been have been pensioned off and got free television licenses and yet they are proudly displaying their courage for all to observe.”

The service was also attended by a number of dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare Countess of Euston.

Ipswich Star: Flag bearers at the ceremony Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.comFlag bearers at the ceremony Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.com (Image: � Stephen Waller)

Ipswich MP Sandy Martin and the newly invested mayor of Ipswich Jane Riley were also present.

The event was organised with the help of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships which aims to preserve both the memory of the ships’ voyage but also the remaining vessels themselves.

Following the service members of the public were invited to wander round the boats and learn more about their stories.

Ipswich Star: Dignitaries, service personnel, veterans and visitors pictured during the event Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.comDignitaries, service personnel, veterans and visitors pictured during the event Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.com (Image: � Stephen Waller)

Ipswich Star: Dozens of people gathered to mark the ceremony Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.comDozens of people gathered to mark the ceremony Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.com (Image: � Stephen Waller)

Ipswich Star: Flags held aloft by bearers during the playing of the last post Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.comFlags held aloft by bearers during the playing of the last post Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.com (Image: � Stephen Waller)

Ipswich Star: A bugler playing The Last Post Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.comA bugler playing The Last Post Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.com (Image: � Stephen Waller)

Ipswich Star: Flags held aloft, with Old Customs House behind Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.comFlags held aloft, with Old Customs House behind Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.com (Image: � Stephen Waller)

Ipswich Star: Ipswich mayor Jane Riley pictured during the ceremony, which was hosted alongside the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.comIpswich mayor Jane Riley pictured during the ceremony, which was hosted alongside the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships Picture: STEPHEN WALLER / www.stephenwaller.com (Image: � Stephen Waller)