Pompey stalwart John Jenkins MBE has played a key role in the commemorations for the 75th anniversary of D-Day.
The 99-year-old took to the stage on Southsea Common to address the Queen, world leaders and other dignitaries.
D-Day veteran John worked at Fratton Park as a boardroom steward and saw the Blues lift the FA Cup in both 1939 and 2008.
He said: “I was 23 when I landed on Gold Beach. I was terrified – I think everyone was. You don’t show it, but it’s there.
“I look back on it as a big part of my life, although I was just a small part of what was a very big machine.
"It’s right that the courage and sacrifice of so many is being honoured 75 years on. We must never forget."
“I’m honoured to be stood here in front of so many other veterans. You never forget your comrades because we were all in it together.
“It’s right that the courage and sacrifice of so many is being honoured 75 years on. We must never forget.”
The event was held to remember the events of June 6 1944, when British troops were joined by Allied forces to begin the liberation of Nazi-occupied France.
It was the largest military naval, air and land operation ever attempted, with tens of thousands of troops landing simultaneously on five beaches in Normandy.
Thanks to #Pompey’s very own John Jenkins MBE and all the heroes of #DDay75 - we will never forget what they did for us pic.twitter.com/reH2LAMQ16
— Portsmouth FC (@officialpompey) June 5, 2019