Friday 8 May 2020

VE DAY 75

It would seem remiss not to mark today with a post of some description and although many of the wonderful events planned to mark this anniversary have had to be cancelled, I for one will be taking some time to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many so that we may enjoy the freedoms that we do today. It is also important to remember that whilst the guns may have fallen silent in Europe on this day, the conflict continued until 15th August when it was announced that Japan had surrendered unconditionally to the Allies, effectively ending World War II.

In looking for some small way to show my appreciation, I stumbled across the following on the official VE Day 75 Celebration site, which may be of interest to others.  From Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR, Pageantmaster VE Day 75:

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.

We are also encouraging all those taking part to undertake the ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2’ at 3pm on the 8th May, from the safety of their own home by standing up and raise a glass of refreshment of their choice and undertake the following ‘Toast’ – 
 “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 all enjoy and share the freedom we have today.

In addition, 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 shall be dusting off the bunting and bedecking the front of 'Awdry Towers' this morning and, as all good posts should have a miniature of some description, leave you with this 'Warlord Games' Winston Churchill, armed with his Tommy Gun, painted to commemorate the day.  Who knows, perhaps he will be found hiding in one of the rooms of the castle?


 “To those who gave so much, we thank you” 

31 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing Michael a day to remember and reflect 🤔

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  2. A very thoughtful post Micheal!

    Christopher

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  3. Well done Michael, I have just done the 2 min silence at eleven and I will be ready for the toast at three this afternoon.

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    1. We did the same, seemed a small price to pay.

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  4. Great post Michael, I always have the sacrifice at the back of my mind as my Grand parents did so much, and always loved hearing their stories when I was a kid, which I now pass on to my children

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  5. Great post Michael.
    A strange day, one to sit back and reflect.
    Best wishes
    Stuart

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    1. Thank you Stuart, in some ways all the more poignant for all the restrictions.

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  6. A sobering time to reflect and appreciate all that generation did.

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  7. Well, it'd be a shame to have a Whinny figure and not use it. Now I wouldn't want to ideas in your head for after the castle adventure.

    But....


    The Eagle has landed ? Jus' sayin'

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  8. A great generation that sacrificed so much.

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  9. Lovely Winston figure! Be great to use it,bit of an odd day in the end?
    Best Iain

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    1. Thank you Iain, all very strange on he day, but lots of stories of impromptu parties and celebration, which was great.

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  10. Well said Michale, we whsare the same sentiments as many others.

    Love Churchill too, though some, I;m sure, will be surprised he's not a dog!

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  11. Nicely put Michael. I made sure to celebrate over here in NorCal too.

    Winston looks fab btw!

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    1. Thank you Dai, glad to hear the day went well.

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  12. Very good report but eventhough VE-day changed a dark future I think that the war in the Balkans showed that Europe wasn´t united to prevent genocide and other very tragic events.

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