his head bowed in tribute, a hero honours pals who never came home
VETERANS across the country paid solemn tribute yesterday to their brothers in arms who fell fighting for wartime victory.
The debt of gratitude they owe their comrades was captured in this extraordinary picture showing Second World War hero Lou Myers bowing his head in respect.
Smartly dressed in a blue blazer with his medals, and aided by a walking stick, the ex-Royal Artillery soldier was determined to get to the Cenotaph memorial in Whitehall, central London, so he could pay silent thanks.
The 92-year-old was clapped as he walked to the monument where he observed the two-minute silence at 11am to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
He also lifted his eyes to the skies as the Red Arrows flew past in an aerial tribute.
Paramedics, police and members of the Armed Forces – all on the front line of the current assault on coronavirus – saluted and clapped the veteran.
Tremendous
Across Britain tens of millions joined former soldiers and their families to pay special thanks to the heroes of yesteryear.
General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff, compared the coronavirus troubles facing today’s youngsters with those which beset war-time youngsters in the 1940s.
Discussing “tremendous” wartime veterans like 100-year-old Captain Tom Moore on BBC Breakfast, he said: “What they give us is they give us hope.
“And I think that word ‘hope’ is very important at the moment.”
But he added: “I do think we should spare a thought for the young – it was tough for them in the 1940s but it will be tough for them going forward, I fear.”
Sir Nick, 61, who joined the Army 42 years ago and is married with four children, is involved in the strategic planning for Covid-19.
He has previously said the
virus was Britain’s “single greatest logistic” challenge in 40 years and would give us a “binding sense of purpose”.
But he also believes the difficulties of staying healthy, looking after friends and family, and dealing with the economic fallout would make us “emerge a better society”.
Discussing the amended VE Day 75th anniversary celebrations, he said it was difficult for veterans denied full celebrations by social distancing.
He said: “We will do what we can to commemorate it visibly.
“But of course it will be different and I think that’s tough for the veterans and all of those who have lived through the war. Because they would like to see a parade and they would like to be involved in that.
“So I think we should spare a thought for them having to commemorate and celebrate at home.”
Rachael Robathan, leader of Westminster council, said: “Like two mighty tributaries VE day and Covid-19 merged yesterday.
“The Army is now in the front line against the onslaught of Covid-19. Our Armed Forces vanquished one totalitarian enemy in 1945; they will play a decisive role in victory this time.”