Celebrate VE Day at Home!
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Published 7 May 2020
Mass celebrations to mark Victory of Europe (VE) day may have changed slightly this year but there is no reason why we can’t celebrate the landmark occasion!
What is VE Day?
Known as ‘Victory of Europe’ (VE) Day, the day marked the Allied victory in Europe during World War II (May 8, 1945).
On 8th May 1945, thousands of people lined the streets of London and other major cities to mark the start of peace after the beginning of the end for World War II.
How is it being celebrated?
This year the traditional early bank holiday in May was moved to allow celebrations of VE day honouring our men and women who served during the war.
There was to be a procession down the Mall in London and a celebration at Westminster Abbey. However, no one was to predict the Covid-19 outbreak across the world!
Nevertheless, the day has slightly changed with a number of celebrations taking place across the country, just in a different way to the norm.
What is happening on VE day?
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There will be a 11am two-minute silence to remember all the men and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice, our stores and branches will be taking part in this.
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At 3pm, Britons are being invited to take to their doorsteps to raise a glass, cheer and clap during The Nation's Toast to the Heroes of World War Two.
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A 9pm speech on TV from the Queen, who has pre-recorded a slot to reflect on when her father King George VI address the moment 75 years ago.
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The Royal British Legion also has a number of remembrance events taking place in which you can take part, click here for more information.
With this in mind, why not join us and celebrate VE Day at home?
In line with social distancing, why not get involved and join the many across the country in celebrating this great landmark? Here’s a few ideas to get you in the spirit…
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Host a picnic in your garden and share a video chat with your friends and family
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Dress up for the occasion in your best suit or dress
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Decorate your home with bunting, see here for some creative ideas
Remember: Social Distancing is key, and we do not encourage gatherings of any sort other than your own household as per the Government rules and restrictions.
Why not send us some of your VE day pictures/videos to communications@midcounties.coop
The Midcounties Roll of Honour
Even though VE day took place at the end of World War II, did you know we have our own Midcounties Roll of Honour which remembers the sacrifice of 57 members of staff who served during World War I?
Research by Chas Townley, member of our Member Engagement Committee, finds where it originated from and tells us about the lives of the men who left the safety and security of working for their local Co-operative to serve in the Great War. So far information has been found on 40 of these men on the Memorial. Click here to read more.
We’ve also received this fantastic poem from our colleague Jools Farrell in the Community Team entitled, ‘The Guns fell Silent’ – which you can read below, thank you Jools.
'The Guns fell Silent’ A Poem by Jools Farrell
The Guns fell Silent
As the guns fell silent across Europe,
millions of people took to the street,
with relief they declared, ‘Thank the Lord it’s all over!’
others cried for loved ones they’d no longer meet
Whilst there was rejoicing and thanks, for the soldier returned,
who knew their lives would ne’er be the same,
there was just as many tears shed; for sons, uncles, husbands and brothers,
Left behind, all alone, in graves that bore no name!
Not forgetting the millions of our animal friends,
Who sadly lost their lives with ne’er a voice or a say,
we wear the purple remembrance poppy,
to honour the sacrifices, they too, made along the way
So, as we sit here together in grateful reflection,
as VE Day dawns on the 8th of May,
we remember the brave and selfless souls of our past,
and how they gave us our today.