75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day – pandemic ‘will not change our determination to pay our tributes’

Today marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe.

At 11am today a two minutes silence will be held as people mark and reflect upon events three quarters of a century ago.

Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, much of this year’s public events for VE Day have been cancelled, with local plans for a flypast and events in the town centre stopped.

Wrexham Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr David Griffiths has paid tribute to all those who served and sacrificed during World War II as Wrexham commemorates and celebrates the 75 year anniversary since the end of that global conflict.

He said: “Today is a special day for Wrexham as we take time to reflect on the terrible human toll WW2 took on our men, women and children who bravely answered the call to protect and serve their country. Whether it was service to country by working in factories and on the land, bringing up small children during the days of rationing or by fighting overseas, everyone during that time played their part and we remember them all on this special anniversary and thank them for what they did.”

“Once again we are all asked to protect our country but this time from an invisible enemy – the virus, Coronavirus – which had claimed many, many lives across the UK and which remains a threat to us all. We are being asked to sacrifice our liberties for all but essential journeys and for those who are key workers.

“But we are not being asked to fight but to stay at home. I urge each and every one of you commemorate and celebrate VE Day 2020 by staying at home and remembering that we are not the only generation to have our freedom restricted. Thank you all for taking the time to remember from the comfort of your home.”

Wrexham Council have put together a range of historical information and further guides to events and kits for VE Day today – you can find it all here.

Wrexham’s MP Sarah Atherton has also paid tribute, “As a military family; my son served in the RAF; my husband the Royal Navy; and, myself the army, we know all too well the importance of commemorating such events and to remember the sacrifices made by those in the military.

“The BBC will be broadcasting a dedicated programme to mark the 75th anniversary of VE day including; extracts from Wartime Leader, Winston Churchill’s, famous victory speech; His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales reading extracts of his grandfather, King George VI’s, diary from 8th May 1945; and, finally at 9pm Her Majesty the Queen will address the nation.

“This will give everyone across the country an opportunity to come together, albeit virtually, to pay tribute to the Second World War generation and show our gratitude to them for their service and sacrifice during the war.

“It is vital that our future generations know about the sacrifice made by those who fought and died for our freedom, independence and democracy. There are a whole host of ways for our children to get involved and to learn about this important day.”

“As we face some of the most challenging times since the end of the Second World War, now more than ever it is important to come together and unite, as communities did 75 years ago.”

UK Parliament has curated materials from its archives to explore key legislation, famous speeches and the story of how the House of Commons chamber was reconstructed after the bombings, along with home-schooling materials for children of all ages – you can find them here.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sports has also put together a VE Day page with stories from WW2 Veterans, ideas to host your own 1940s style tea party at home; and, ‘Thank you’ posters to print and display in your windows.

As part of a UK VE Day celebrations, the RAF will fly a Typhoon jet over Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast, reaching speeds of 350mph. In London, the Red Arrows will be spotted in the skies. Throughout this week, the First Minister and Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blythyn have been speaking with Second World War veterans via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and over the phone.

From the steps of the Welsh Government buildings in Cardiff, the First Minister will encourage the country to “draw on the inspiration of those who lived through the Second World War, to help us deal with our own unique piece of history”.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “Speaking with all veterans this week and listening to their extraordinary accounts of torpedo attacks and near misses, brought home the incredible grit and determination of an entire generation who lived through the Second World War.

“All of us can look to them for inspiration, to help us deal with our own unique piece of history.

“I want to thank each and every person across the commonwealth who battled fascism and helped to build the foundations of a society, which we all benefit from today.

“Coronavirus means we must celebrate VE Day in our own homes, but it will not change our determination to pay our tributes. At 11am let’s stand still, fall silent and remember all those who lived, and those who sadly lost their lives for us.”