Official notice on changes to planned VE Day commemorations:
VE DAY 75 CANCELLATION ADVICE
I am afraid that the terrible Coronavirus emergency and consequent Government guidance means that we must advise participants to cancel or postpone the majority of the VE Day 75 community celebrations due to take place on the bank holiday weekend of 8th – 10th May. It is right and proper that people should be kept safe and healthy.
My sincere thanks to the many thousands who registered their involvement and events and were looking forward to celebrating VE Day 75 is the ways planned. I know how disappointed you will be that these cannot go ahead as planned. However we are sill encouraging solo buglers/trumpeters/cornet players to play the Last Post at 2.55pm from the safety of their homes, along with the Pipers undertaking Battle’s O’er and VE 75 years at 3pm local time in the country they are in, as well as Town Criers, Crying out for Peace at 6.55pm in a similar way too on the 8th May 2020.
While the Pipers are playing Battle’s O’er, and the recorded speech by Prime Minister Churchill is being broadcast by the BBC into our homes at 3pm on the 8th May, we would still like to encourage the people of our great country and abroad to stand at 3pm within the safety of their living rooms, front or back gardens, outside their front doors or balconies if they have one, and undertake the Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW II, using the following words. “TO THOSE WHO GAVE SO MUCH, WE THANK YOU,” using this unique opportunity to pay tribute to the many millions at home and abroad that gave so much to ensure we can all enjoy the freedom we share today.
We are delighted to confirm that Dame Joan Collins accepted my invitation to join in on the Toast, and will be leading the ‘Nation’s Toast’ on behalf of the women of the nation from the balcony of her apartment in London at 3pm on the 8th May 2020.
Dame Joan said: “We must never forget the selflessness of all those who sacrificed so much to keep us free during WW II. This is why I immediately joined up to support the Nation’s Toast. This meaningful gesture recognises the importance of not only the brave veterans who fought on the front lines but also the courageous women who put their lives in the line for this nation’s struggle.”
However, you could take part in celebrations safely from home by joining your BBC Local Radio station initiative in making your own VE Day Great British Bunting. Download everything you need at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
The Royal British Legion is calling on people across the UK to join in a moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11am on Friday 8th May, the 75th Anniversary of VE Day, and pause for a Two Minute Silence. I hope that we will all support this aspect of VE Day from the safety of our homes too.
With my very best wishes, Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR
Pageantmaster VE Day 75
Church of England Resources to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on 8th May 2020.
Download an Outline service for the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
View the VE Day 1945 Order of Service which took place in Westminster Abbey.
A prayer for VE Day
From the Act of Commitment for Peace
Lord God our Father,
we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind, in the cause of peace,
for the relief of want and suffering,
and for the praise of your name.
Guide us by your Spirit;
give us wisdom;
give us courage;
give us hope;
and keep us faithful now and always.
Amen.
