Queen’s address on 75th milestone
The Queen will lead the nation in its celebrations of the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Her Majesty, who served in the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, will address the nation on BBC1 on Friday at 9pm, the same time her father, King George VI, spoke to the British public via radio on May 8, 1945.
Original plans for the celebrations have been rewritten due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A programme of alternative events will see Prince Charles read an extract from King George VI’S diary. The Queen’s address will be followed by a national sing-along of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again with the public encouraged to open their doors and join in the celebrations.
Charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland will hold virtual activities. An online Service of Remembrance will take place on Friday broadcast by the groups on their Facebook pages at 10.40am.
It will be followed by a virtual tribute, before a minute’s silence at 11am.
An online concert will follow at noon featuring 1945-themed musical renditions recorded in the homes of performers including comedian Elaine C Smith.
With Friday declared the May Day bank holiday, Poppyscotland are also encouraging the public to host their own virtual VE Day parties.
Dr Claire Armstrong, chief executive of Legion Scotland, said: “As the custodians of Remembrance in Scotland, our involvement in services like these is so important. They allow our communities to join together and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”