Great Yarmouth's mayor rallies borough to celebrate VE Day 75th anniversary at home
Great Yarmouth's mayor, Cllr Michael Jeal, is rallying the people of the borough to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day at home on Friday, May 8, including by joining in with a special toast honouring the heroes of the Second World War.
While public events of celebration and thanks-giving cannot go ahead, the mayor is encouraging people to still celebrate on Bank Holiday Friday, to decorate their windows with patriotic bunting, flags and balloons, have a picnic at home with members of their own household and to tune into the local and national TV and radio coverage.
At 11am, the Royal British Legion is encouraging people across all generations and communities to take part in a national moment of remembrance and pause for a two minute silence to honour the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation and reflect on the impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.
Then at 3pm, the mayor is inviting residents to join him in participating in the 'Nation's Toast to the Heroes of WW2', a UK-wide initiative paying tribute to the many millions at home and abroad who gave so much to ensure we all enjoy the freedoms we have today. You can do this by standing at your own front door, raising a glass of a refreshment of your choice and making the following toast: "To those who gave so much, we thank you."
Residents are also encouraged to tune into BBC Radio Norfolk for VE Day coverage on the day, and to tune into the BBC's main anniversary programme, which starts on BBC ONE at 8pm and includes a special message from the Queen at 9pm plus a national singalong of Dame Vera Lynn's wartime classic "We'll Meet Again".
Cllr Jeal said: "The 75th anniversary of VE Day is a time to thank and remember the millions of people who sacrificed so much in the Second World War, but it is also a time to celebrate the Allied victory in Europe, which eventually led to peace.
"In these unprecedented times, the spirit of VE Day - of coming together as a borough and nation for a common cause, of remembering those who have sadly passed away, and of looking ahead to recovery - is as relevant as ever. I hope that lots of people will join in the celebrations and thanks-giving at home."
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