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People encouraged to mark VE Day from home

Posted on Wednesday 6th May 2020

People from across Staffordshire are being encouraged to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day on Friday 8 May from home.

With members of the public no longer able to attend physical commemoration events because of restrictions around Coronavirus, a series of online and virtual events have been organised for people to join in.

Livestreams, national moments of Remembrance and thanksgiving, sing-alongs, stories, and activity packs for individuals and families are amongst the activities.

Following the two minute silence which will be held at 11am on Friday, the Royal British Legion will be hosting a VE Day 75 livestream, sharing stories and memories from those who served during the Second World War.  Later in the evening, at 9pm, people are also invited to enjoy a moment of celebration and thanksgiving by taking part in a UK-wide rendition of Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’.

Staffordshire’s libraries service will also be joining in commemorations throughout the day with war poetry readings, e-book recommendations, sharing of old photos and memories and chat on their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Philip Atkins, Leader at Staffordshire County Council is encouraging people to join in the commemorations and at 6.55pm will appear in a short video on the council’s social media channels reading  the poem, ‘Cry For Peace Around The World’.

Philip said:

“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 and is a day to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for the country.

“As we celebrate the anniversary of Victory in Europe, we also find ourselves in a battle with a very different enemy, that of Coronavirus. In this fight it is our NHS staff, our Care workers and essential workers who are leading the charge to beat the pandemic and with our staunch community spirit, it’s a battle that we’ll win.

“It will be sad not to be able to attend physical events to remember and commemorate this day, but there are virtual ways in which we can celebrate and I would encourage everyone to join in with some of the online activities taking place across the county and the nation.”

Staffordshire continues to have strong connections with the armed forces and is home to the National memorial Arboretum, which provides a focus for the nation’s remembrance and commemorations.  A list of online activities for VE Day is available at www.thenma.org.uk/events   

People can download the Royal British Legion VE Day learning pack at www.rbl.org.uk/veday75 and follow the activities  on social media using #VEDay75.

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