Steve Brine joined Lord Lieutenant Dame Mary Fagan, councillors, students and members of the military in Winchester recently at the launch of the 'To Honour a Promise' project.
Inspired by local man, and Royal British Legion member, Tony Dowland, the project will erect a memorial to British, American, Commonwealth and Allied Forces troops from the First World War, as over 50,000 stayed in temporary accommodation at Morn Hill before marching to Southampton and setting sail for the continent.
During some research, Mr Dowland discovered that a promise was given to put up a memorial to the American soldiers, but this never happened.
Mr Dowland said: "It's a very important part of the Winchester scene and there'll be a book out on this eventually. It's a really interesting project."
Hampshire County Council have given £6000 towards the project, and local students have created a film which will be shown to schools and the public.
Steve Brine said: "This is a wonderful project, especially as we approach the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War in 2014. The video is truly fantastic, and the students have done a fine job.
"As you will see, we are looking for people who have their own family stories of the time, so do please take a look and pass the link onto anyone you think may be interested.
"I also pay tribute to Tony Dowland for his energy in getting us here, and both Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council for their support."
Brigadier David Harrison, chairman of the project, said: "Everybody is starting now to cotton on to the fact that 2014 is going to be the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War — I think we are slightly ahead of the game and this is all Tony's work. We will at last deliver our promise."
Pictured; Steve joins guests at the launch (courtesy of the Hampshire Chronicle)
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Contact Alison Davidson on either tohonourapromise@winchester.gov.uk for stories associated particularly with the transit camps or adavidson@winchester.gov.uk for other enquiries regarding war memorials.