Stay home, save lives and celebrate VE Day
Posted on Thursday 30th April 2020
Newport City Council is encouraging residents to mark VE Day on Friday 8 May by holding a ‘stay at home’ commemoration with people in their household.
You could wear something red, white and blue or create a VE Day artwork to display in the window of your home and help mark an occasion that is a big part of the UK’s history. For some design ideas and colouring posters visit www.newport.gov.uk/VEDay75
Leader of Newport City Council, Councillor Jane Mudd, said: “Just as we celebrate those on the front line who are currently fighting an invisible enemy, we would like to encourage people to remember and give thanks to those who fought on the front lines in World War II; the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy, as well as those men and women who worked selflessly on the home front.
“We hope people will show their gratitude to those who fought during World War II by joining in celebrations at home.”
Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on 8 May 1945. This year marks 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe.
Newport City Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Mark Spencer, said: “Unfortunately due to these unforeseen circumstances, we cannot mark those who sacrificed their lives for us in the ways in which we’d planned. But let’s celebrate in a way that is safe, raise a glass to thank those who made a sacrifice and also remember those on the frontline today.”
Lt Col Benjamin Ingham MBE, 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, said: “The 104th Regiment Royal Artillery has been an enduring presence within the local community in the South Wales region since its formation on 1st April 1967. The Regt has deployed individuals into all key military campaigns and specifically saw two batteries, the 323 (Glamorgan) and 324 (Glamorgan) serve in North West Europe from June 1944 attached to the 53rd (Welsh) Infantry Division during World War 2. Tragically, the Regiment suffered losses and these soldiers were members of the local community who lived and worked in the Gwent region. The selfless dedication of those soldiers will continue to be remembered and recognised accordingly, their generation gave us the freedoms and security that we currently enjoy. The conduct and commitment set by them has set the standard by which we measure ourselves today; we do and must continue to honour their legacy.”
Alan Lawson, Chairman of the Newport Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “Over these last weeks we have spoken to many people who are doing all they can to keep our country and communities working. From those in the big supermarkets to friends trying to run their own small businesses, from those who are Serving to politicians and to delivery drivers, from other charities to staff working across the Legion and with members who are supporting our beneficiaries in communities across the UK and Europe.
“We are all facing real and fundamental issues with huge unknowns and many common challenges and shared concerns. All are doing their very best to understand and navigate this new world. None have all the answers. None expect to get everything right but all I have spoken to are determined to play their part as best they can and build stronger communities and nations as we emerge from this.
“The Legion was created as a response to massive challenge and change. The red poppy took root and grew as a national symbol of remembrance and hope. This short message reflects those challenges and that shared determination.”
For more information visit www.newport.gov.uk/VEDay75