On Friday 8th May we will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of VE Day and the liberation of Europe following more than 5-years of War.
Whilst it will not be the commemoration we had all anticipated since Coronavirus has meant a scaling back of many of our national and local celebrations, Friday will remain a day to give thanks to those who served throughout World War II and gave their lives to protect our freedom and liberty.
On Friday at 11am we are asked to observe a two-minute silence, joining neighbours in standing on our doorsteps or at our windows.
To mark this the 75th Anniversary, the BBC will be broadcasting a series of special programmes, including extracts from Sir Winston Churchill’s famous victory speech and culminating in an address to the nation at 9pm by Her Majesty The Queen.
Anyone planning their own 1940s style afternoon tea party at home with those in their household are also encouraged to share their VE Day activities on social media using the hashtag #VEDay75.
I am sure that whilst the original plans to mark the 75th Anniversary of VE Day have had to be revised to take greater account of public safety, it will nonetheless be a day in which we put veterans centre stage. Now, more than ever, it is important to unite in recognition of service to the nation, just as communities did 75 years ago.