In honour of the 75th anniversary of the Victory in Europe, May’s bank holiday was moved to Friday. Due to the coronavirus, most events won’t be going ahead as originally planned.
Instead, we remember those who lost their lives in World War Two, and the sacrifice and service of others, from our homes. On the 8th May 1945, after almost six years of war, Britain and its Allies formally accepted Nazi Germany’s surrender. At 3pm that day, Winston Churchill announced to the country over the radio that the war in Europe was over. The first VE Day celebrations were a spontaneous event across the country.
This year, at 11am a national moment of remembrance and a two-minute silence will be held. At 9pm, a pre-recorded address from the Queen will be broadcast on BBC One – the same moment King George VI gave a radio address 75 years ago. You can join in the nationwide memorial from home with the hashtags #GreatBritishBunting and #VEDay75. A simple bunting template pack can be downloaded online at www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference.
Locally in Herefordshire, 1300 people lost their lives. To mark this occasion, Hereford Cathedral will have a special service at 6pm on Friday 8th May, which can be watched on their social media channels and website from home.
We pay tribute this weekend to the millions of people, at home and abroad, who served and sacrificed in the war. To those who gave so much, we thank you.
As on all bank holidays, the Kidwells Solicitors office will be closed. However, you can still reach us for urgent matters by phone at 01432 278 179.