VE Day in Plymouth 1945 - The Box, https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/
VE Day in Plymouth 1945 - The Box, https://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/
  • Luke supports the commemoration of Victory in Europe Day
  • The Royal British Legion has announced a programme to mark the 75th anniversary
  • Activities include a livestream, national moments of remembrance and activity packs

Due to the current lockdown restrictions, the Royal British Legion is calling on the UK to get involved in VE day commemorations from home to pay tribute to the entire Second World War generation. Luke has joined these calls, commemorating British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces, to evacuees and those who served on the home front on this day.

At 11am the Legion is encouraging people across the UK 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 also take the opportunity to reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.

Following the Silence the Legion is hosting a VE Day 75 livestream, sharing stories and memories from those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War, and recognising the difficulties people are experiencing today. Hosted by TV presenter Sonali Shah, the programme will feature contributions from social historian Julie Summers and cook and influencer Melissa Helmsley. The programme will be live from 1115 on the Legion’s website.

Later in the day the Legion has partnered with the BBC to honour and celebrate the Second World War generation with an evening of memories and music from 8pm on BBC One. Members of the public are invited to enjoy a moment of celebration and thanksgiving during the programme by taking part in a UK-wide rendition of Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ at 9pm.

Alongside these events on 8th May, The Royal British Legion has developed a VE Day learning pack which is available online. Designed for 7-14 year olds the pack includes first-hand accounts from the Second World War generation, veteran interviews and range of activities to allow families to explore and commemorate VE Day together.

Luke said:

“I want to thank the Royal British Legion for the work they have done to produce a programme allowing us all to  commemorate this important event from home. I will be standing at 11am to reflect on this important day, as well as remembering those who fought and lost their lives.”

The Royal British Legion’s Assistant Director of Commemorative Events, Bob Gamble OBE, said:

“As we face some of the most challenging times since the Second World War, now more than ever it is important to unite in recognition of people’s service to the nation, just as communities did 75 years ago.

 

“There is no right or wrong way to take part in the Silence at 11am, some people may wish to stand at their windows or step outside their front door, but we hope that individuals and families across the UK will embrace the opportunity to share in a national moment of reflection. Then later on we invite people to open their windows wide and join us to celebrate and give thanks as we singalong to Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime classic, ‘We’ll Meet Again’, which has added poignancy in the current circumstances.

 

“There are many parallels between the struggles of the Second World War and what we are going through today. As we mark 75 years since Victory in Europe, we look to our Second World War generation to learn from their experiences, and the Legion continues our critical work to protect them from the threat we currently face.”

Members of the public can access the activities here and on social media using #VEDay75 and #VEDay75Live during the livestream.

Link to Instagram Link to Twitter Link to YouTube Link to Facebook Link to LinkedIn Link to Snapchat Close Fax Website Location Phone Email Calendar Building Search