Celebrating VE day during lockdown

Victory in Europe day on the 8^th May 1945 witnessed Britain and its ally countries formally accept Nazi Germany’s surrender from the previous day that year.

On that day at preciously 3PM Winston Churchill announced to the public via radio transmission, that the war must now come to an end, following the surrender of Germany from the day before.

We now celebrate this day yearly in Britain and despite all the problems in the world right now, this year isn’t going to be any different. Not only do we celebrate this day for all the brave troops that gave their lives in the fight for peace, but also for the people that work hard every day within our armed forces now. They’re the ones continuing a legacy of protection and bravery and thoroughly deserve our thanks and gratitude for all that they do.

What is VE Day?

VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, marks the end of World War II in Europe. On May 8, 1945, Allied forces accepted Germany’s unconditional surrender, and the war came to an end. More than two million British servicemen and women had lost their lives during the conflict, along with millions of civilians. In the days and weeks that followed the German surrender, celebrations broke out across Europe and the Allies began planning for the future.

The war had left many countries in ruins, and the task of rebuildi ng would be a long and difficult one. However, on VE Day, Europeans could finally start to look forward to a peaceful future.

How you can celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day during lockdown

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe, and while commemorations will be muted due to the ongoing pandemic, there are still plenty of ways to mark the occasion from home. One way to join in the festivities is to bake some traditional wartime recipes. Dig out your ration book and have a go at making a Victory Cake or Spam fritters.

Alternatively, you could listen to some of the speeches that were made on VE Day back in 1945. Winston Churchill’s famous ‘We shall fight on the beaches’ speech is always worth a re-listen, or you could seek out some of the more personal accounts of that historic day. Whatever you do, take a moment to remember those who sacrificed so much for our freedom.

What is the history of VE Day?

On May 8, 1945, people all over the world celebrated the end of World War II. In the United States, the day was known as Victory in Europe (VE) Day. It marked the end of nearly six years of war, which had claimed the lives of more than 60 million people. The war had also left millions more wounded and displaced. However, on VE Day, people could finally celebrate the fact that peace had been restored to Europe.

In Britain, Prime Minister Winston Churchill gave a radio address to the nation, declaring that “the horrors of war are behind us.” revelers took to the streets to celebrate, and churches held special services to give thanks for the victory. In many ways, VE Day marked the beginning of a new era of peace and hope.

How we can show our appreciation

The government has very wisely moved our usual May Day Bank Holiday from the 4^th to the 8^th this year in order for a number of celebrations to take place this Victory in Europe day. This is yet another way we can be brought together even while we’re having to stay apart, and though coronavirus and the whole pandemic around it is causing problems for every walk of life at the moment, many things are still going ahead.

These events have been sourced together by the BBC and will taking place all throughout the 8^th of May:

• 10:50 BST – at a service in Westminster, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will lay a wreath on behalf of the Commons. Lord West will lay a wreath on behalf of the Lords
• 11:00 – a national moment of remembrance and a two-minute silence will be held
• 14:45 – in a special programme on BBC One, extracts from Churchill’s victory speech to the nation announcing the end of the war in Europe will be broadcast
• 14:55 – solo buglers, trumpeters and cornet players will be invited to play the Last Post from their homes
• 15:00 – as Churchill’s speech is broadcast, people will be invited to stand up and raise a glass in a national toast, saying: “To those who gave so much, we thank you”
• 20:00 – another television special will feature Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins, actor Adrian Lester and singer Beverley Knight, who will be performing some well-known songs from the 1930s and 40s. The programme will culminate in the nation being invited to sing along to a rendition of wartime classic We’ll Meet Again
• 21:00 –the Queen’s pre-recorded address will be broadcast on BBC One at the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address 75 years ago. It will be her second televised message during the coronavirus outbreak after a rare speech to the nation last month
• 21:30 – Spotlights will light up the sky in Portsmouth to recall the experience of blackouts during the war. The local council says the lights are also to remind people “that lighter times will come again”

Love for our armed forces 

Showing appreciation to those that need it can inspire them even further to continue doing a brilliant job; this is something we’ve been highly effective at recently with services such as the NHS, where every Thursday evening at 8pm we have applauded their hard work in our thousands.

That same level of appreciation needs to be conveyed this Friday, so make an effort, join in with one of the many street parties from your own driveway and prove that we can still achieve things together regardless of social distancing rules and the like. Together we are stronger and we need to show people how highly valued they really are in times like these.

You can choose to decorate your house, just as many others currently are, with flags and bunting, or you can make some VE-inspired snacks if that’s more your kind of thing. Whatever talents you have, display them within the VE celebrations on Friday and join in with the rest of your street or neighbourhood. 

VE silence 2020 – when is it

 There will be two minutes of silence during VE day to commemorate all of those that gave their lives during the second world war, though this day the Royal British Legion have said that it will also be to think of those that have struggled throughout the coronavirus outbreak over the past few months.

They have said that, ““At 11am, we’re encouraging people across all generations and communities to take part in a 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.”

“There is no right or wrong way to take part in the Silence, some may wish to stand at their windows, step outside their homes while remaining distanced from others, watch the broadcast on television, or simply sit in a quiet moment of reflection”.

Following this there will be a repeat of the Winston Churchill speech that he made to announce the end of the battle with Germany during the second world war in 1945, which will be 75 years ago to the day. Churchill also mentioned the (then still to come) Victory over Japan day in this speech, as he stated that we would still need to overcome that threat in order for World War II to truly be over.