The 75th anniversary of VE Day is approaching next Friday 8th May and Hyndburn’s MP and Council Leader are backing the Royal British Legion’s call for the nation to mark the anniversary from home and to to take part in a range of activities on the day to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation.

The Royal British Legion is playing a central role in the delivery of a range of remote activity, including the Two Minute Silence at 11am.  MP Sara Britcliffe and Council Leader Cllr Parkinson OBE, are joining with the RBL in encouraging people across all generations and communities to take part in this national moment of Remembrance and pause for a Two Minute Silence to honour the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation and reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.

The revised programme of events to mark the day which will include; a moment of reflection and prayer led by the Archbishop of Canterbury; the broadcasting of extracts of Sir Winston Churchill’s VE Day speech, followed by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales reading an extract from his grandfather King George VI’s diary from 8th May 1945; and, finally, Her Majesty The Queen will address the nation.

Hyndburn MP, Sara Britcliffe, said; “Although of course the original plans to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day have been changed due to the pandemic, there are still lots of ways everyone in Hyndburn can continue to pay tribute to the Second World War generation on VE Day and we’re right behind the Royal British Legion’s call to mark it from home. This is a generation who faced the devastation of war on the front line and its terrible consequences back at home, it’s wonderful that we can still come together virtually as a nation to pay tribute to their sacrifice and service. As a country we now face the biggest challenge since the Second World War, and it’s more important than ever to continue to be united and honour this generation who gave so much for their country.”

Council Leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson OBE, said; “We’re backing the Royal British Legion’s call to mark this important anniversary from home, and unite with them in recognition of the service and sacrifice of all the Second World War generation, many of whom are today facing the challenges of the Coronavirus Pandemic today. The Royal British Legion have organised lots of virtual events for us all to take part in, including the two minute silence at 11am where as a nation we’ll all come together to remember and pay tribute to all those who made such huge sacrifices 75 years ago. ”

Activities to take part in include:

  • Observing the two minutes’ silence at 11am on the 8th May, joining your neighbours in standing on your doorstep or in your window to mark the moment of remembrance.
  • Tune in to the BBC to watch the VE Day 75 special broadcasts which will include extracts from Churchill’s famous victory speech and Her Majesty The Queen addressing the nation at 9pm.
  • Take part in the national singalong of Dame to Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again
  • Hold a 1940s style afternoon tea party at home with those in your household, complete with homemade VE Day bunting, original recipes, games, and educational and creative activities for children using the template pack available online via the website.
  • Print off a ‘Thank You’ card from the toolkit on the website and post a message of thanks to the Second World War generation on their social media channels.
  • Research their family history using Ancestry.co.uk who will be making their resources available for free between 4-10 May and share their stories online.
  • Children can  take part in the creative activities including making bunting and posters to decorate your homes and display in your front windows using the toolkit on the website
  • Historian Dan Snow has set a VE Day challenge for young people, members of the public can use the link on our dedicated website to access the challenge.
  • Dan Snow will also host a daily history lesson on different aspects of the Second World War live on YouTube for children from Monday 4 May at 11am each morning on his History Hit YouTube channel, which DCMS will share on social media.
  • Share your VE Day activities on social media using the #VEDay75 hashtag.

For more information about how to access the VE Day toolkit and get involved in this historic national moment see:

https://ve-vjday75.gov.uk/get-involved/

https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/ve-day-75

Amazing Accrington
Author: Amazing Accrington