VE Day Celebrations from The British Legion

75 years ago, households across Britain eagerly awaited news that after six years of conflict, the war in Europe was over. The news finally came and 8th May, 1945 was declared Victory in Europe Day.

Communities across the country came together to celebrate, but war wasn't over for everyone and the day held mixed emotions for some. Millions of lives had been lost, homes and cities destroyed, and people all over Europe had been displaced by the conflict. But after years of uncertainty and living in fear it was one day that everyone came together to mark the start of new beginnings.

This Friday marks 75 years since that historic day. As we remember the struggles the war time generation faced, this year’s anniversary feels particularly poignant, as we too are experiencing an uncertain and difficult time ourselves. But as the nation pulls together, and many make sacrifices to help others, we can look to the Second World War generation and learn from their resilience, determination and hope for better days to come.

Unfortunately, we are no longer able to come together for our VE Day 75 commemorations due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we refuse to let this important date pass us by, and so we will be delivering a range of remote activities for people to participate in from home.

Please join The British Legion this Friday to mark VE Day 75 and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation.

As we face some of the most challenging times since the Second World War, it is now more important than ever to unite in recognition of service to the nation, just as communities did 75 years ago. We therefore are calling on people across the UK to join in a national moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11am on Friday 8th May and pause for a Two Minute Silence, not only in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, but also to reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.

You are invited to take part in the Silence in whatever way you feel appropriate, be that standing at your window, stepping outside your home whilst remaining distanced from others, or taking the opportunity for a quiet moment of reflection. At the end of this document there are some prayers which you might like to use during this time.

Following the Silence we are hosting a VE Day livestream, sharing stories and memories from those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War. Hosted by TV presenter Sonali Shah, the programme will feature contributions from social historian Julie Summers and cook and influencer Melissa Helmsley. The stream will be live from 11:15am on our website.

You may like to enjoy an Afternoon Tea at home. Of course you can’t invite anyone, but why not decorate outside your home with bunting and Union Jacks then between 4-6pm sit outside with your afternoon tea and see your neighbours keeping social distancing.

Later in the day we welcome you to enjoy a moment of celebration and thanksgiving by taking part in a UK-wide rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ at 9pm. BBC One will feature the singalong as part of its VE Day 75 evening broadcast.

Links to activities can be found on the Royal British Legion website, including a special downloadable learning pack for children aged 7-14..

There are many parallels between the struggles of the Second World War and what the world is going through today, and looking to the Second World War generation, their resilience and determination helps inspire today’s generation in these difficult times.