“To those who gave so much, we thank you”
On Friday 8th May 2020 at 3pm, Britain will be commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE Day when the guns fell silent at the end of the second world war in Europe.
Due to the coronavirus restrictions, VE Day 75 events and street parties have had to be cancelled or postponed, but we can still mark the occasion, share pride in our country and honour the men and women of WWII.
The Chairman of Dover District Council, Cllr Michael Conolly, will be leading the Nation’s Toast on Friday 8th May, joined (virtually) by Leader of the Council, Cllr Trevor Bartlett and the council’s Armed Forces representative, Cllr Oliver Richardson.
To help commemorate this occasion, the council would like to invite local residents to play a special part in the day by sending photos in of their own personal toast on the day. We will create a montage video that we will then share online as part of the Nation’s thanks.
Please email community@dover.gov.uk with your photos by Saturday 9th May.
Cllr Mike Conolly, Chairman of Dover District Council, said: “It’s a great honour to lead the Nation’s Virtual Toast to the Heroes of WWII, and to encourage the residents of the Dover District to mark this major 75th anniversary by sending us their photos for a commemorative video, as we join together to pay tribute to those millions at home and abroad who gave so much to protect our freedom and our future.”
Commemorative events for this important 75th anniversary are being coordinated nationally and internationally by Bruno Peek, Pageantmaster, VE Day 75.
Bruno Peek said: “The involvement of Dover District Council, along with dignitaries from the area, is an important aspect of the VE Day celebrations this year, especially as Dover played such an important role during WWII.”
8th May 1945 marked Victory in Europe (VE) day, a day of celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of WW2 of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. Upon the defeat of Germany, celebrations erupted through the western world.
Dover District has a rich military heritage. As Britain’s frontline town, the very fabric of this area has been shaped by the part it has played in the defence of the realm. There are signs of this everywhere, from our castles, coastal fortifications, and war memorials, to the strong traditions and cultural ties which have been born of our connections with the armed forces.
Acknowledging 75 years since VE Day with a commemorative bank holiday is absolutely fitting. It is our duty to keep the events of the past alive in collective memory, including future generations. This is how we ensure that such a conflict never happens again.
Posted on 28 April 2020