VE DAY 75 – REMEMBERING 8th MAY 1945
Friday 8th May is the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. On that day, Germany surrendered to the allied Armies that had fought to liberate Europe from what Churchil described in 1940 as “a monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark, lamentable catalogue of human crime”.
So the 8th is remembered as a celebration of Victory and Liberation for the peoples of Europe. It is also a day to remember those who died in that struggle – the innocent civilians, the victims of torture and genocide, and those who fell in battle.
It was to be a day of commemoration and celebration, 75 years on, this Friday, however the Coronavirus pandemic has faced the world with a new threat, and the opportunity to come properly together, to remember and enjoy ourselves will have to wait for safer times.
The British Legion has cancelled all national events that were planned, and has asked that no gatherings of people should take place, to minimise the threat of the disease.
OUR PLANS FOR MAY 8TH
- We will fly the Union Flag at the War Memorial on May the 8th.
- At 11.00 am the flag will be lowered to Half Mast for the National 2 Minute Silence. Those who wish to observe this at the War Memorial must respect a strict 2 metre social distance.
- It is hoped that those who remain at home will follow the National Event, led from BBC1 at 11 a.m.
- Other events are suggested for you to follow at home, including a garden-based street party and celebration tea, or a commemorative supper at 6.00 p.m.
- At 2.45 p.m., the BBC will broadcast Churchill ’s “Victory” speech made at the exactly the same time in 1945
- At 9.00 p.m. Her Majesty the Queen will broadcast to the nation as her Father, George 6th, did in 1945. This will be part of a BBC1 programme VE Day 75:The People’s Celebration, starting at 8.00 p.m. We are invited to join the “National Singalong” of “We’ll Meet Again” at 9.00 pm, which will be broadcast on BBC1, as part of the programme.
We’ll meet again
Don’t know where
Don’t know when
But I know we’ll meet again
Some sunny day
Keep smiling through
Just like you always do
‘Till the blue skies chase
Those dark clouds far away
And I will just say hello
To the folks that you know
Tell them you won’t be long
They’ll be happy to know
That, as I saw you go
You were singing this song
We’ll meet again
Don’t know where
Don’t know when
But I know we’ll meet again
Some sunny day
And I will just say hello
To the folks that you know
Tell them you won’t be long
They’ll be happy to know
That, as I saw you go
You were singing this song
We’ll meet again
Don’t know where
Don’t know when
But I know we’ll meet again
Some sunny day
OUR COMMEMORATIVE WALL
Not so much a wall, as a WARTIME BLOG or DIARY. Later today [6th May] we will open a page on Lowick Live for people to post their pictures and stories, memories and anecdotes about wartime Britain [and afar]. Details will follow soon – watch this space.
AND FOR LATER?
August 15th is VJ Day. The Victory over Japan marks the true end of the Second World War against the Axis Powers. Many Northumbrians gave their lives in the war with Japan. It is hoped that by that day, we may be able to hold the celebration the Lockdown presently denies us. We will live in hope for then. Keep Safe and Carry On!
LOWICK.LIVE 