How Britain will honour one of the greatest days in our history
His victory speech rebroadcast
BRITAIN will mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a spectacular three-day programme of events that will mix nostalgia, thanksgiving and sombre remembrance.
On May 8, 1945, the nation cheered as Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that after six years of bitter conflict that had claimed millions of lives and demanded massive sacrifices from every family, the Second World War in Europe was finally over.
Now, with 75 days to go until the historic 75th anniversary, the country is being urged to come together to pay its respects to all those who played their part – and to recapture the spirit of unbridled joy that swept across Britain on VE Day.
As part of the celebrations on May 8, 2020, extracts from Churchill’s famous victory speech will be broadcast at venues and public spaces up and down the land. The Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will perform a flypast over Buckingham Palace, while there will also be a procession down The Mall by veterans, remembrance services and parades in Cardiff and Edinburgh, and street parties.
Friday, May 8, has been declared a Bank Holiday (instead of the usual Monday) and pub hours will be extended on that day and Saturday, May 9, to encourage a ‘national outpouring of thanksgiving’.
For many who remember VE Day, this year’s anniversary represents a final, poignant opportunity to take part in a major commemoration of a defining moment in their own lives and in the history of the nation. Last night, Boris Johnson called for everyone across Britain to unite to remember the sacrifices made. He said: ‘The 75th anniversary of VE Day marks a historic moment for our great country to come together and reflect on the heroes of the Second World War.
‘No one will ever forget what they sacrificed in defending our freedom and securing peace across Europe, and we will continue to honour those who contributed at home and abroad.
‘This programme of events gives the whole nation a chance to thank all those involved for everything they did – both for those alive today, and for future generations. And by commemorating these moments, we can remember and remind ourselves of the fragility of peace, and the need for us all to collectively uphold this.’
Last night, veterans pledged to take part. Now aged 94, former
Royal Welsh Fusilier Doug Farrington vowed to make the journey from his home in Oldham, Greater Manchester, to London.
Doug, who was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes, said: ‘I wanted to be part of the fight against Hitler.
‘My two brothers, Kenneth and Neville, were killed in the fighting. I was lucky enough to survive. I met my wife in 1947 and was married for 66 years. I’ll be coming to London with a friend. It will be a very special day.’
Bernard Morgan, 95, said he hoped for a ‘repeat performance’ of the party he still remembers from VE Day: ‘I was stationed in Germany at the time when I received a telex telling me the war was ending and the German surrender was imminent. The drinks just appeared from nowhere.’
Jubilant Britons poured on to the streets after Germany’s surrender, including outside Buckingham Palace to cheer Churchill and the Royal Family. Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret later secretly joined the crowds to celebrate – the future Queen described it as one of the most memorable nights of her life.
‘God bless you all. This is your victory!
It is the victory of the cause of freedom in every land. In all our long history, we have never seen a greater day than this. Everyone, man or woman, has done their best. Everyone has tried. Neither the long years, nor the dangers, nor the fierce attacks of the enemy, have in any way weakened the independent resolve of the British nation. God bless you all…’