Lord Lieutenant of Moray urges people to mark 75th anniversary of VE Day at home
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THE Lord Lieutenant of Moray has urged people to do what they can to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day from the safety of their own homes and businesses.
There has been clear guidance from the Scottish Government and the Grampian Police that the rules and guidance for lockdown in force on that day are to be adhered to, so there can be no special ceremonies which involve journeys, or gatherings.
However, Major General Seymour Monro has said people may do whatever they wish to do or take part in at home, in their gardens or nearby, at work or whilst taking exercise.
There will be a national programme of events on Friday which will see a two minute silence at 11am. Church bells will also ring out at 7pm and The Queen will address the nation at 9pm.
There will also be a Royal British Legion Scotland Service of Remembrance at 10.40am followed by a tribute Concert at noon.
People have also been encouraged to put up bunting and flags, and to have celebratory teas or picnics in their own homes or gardens, however, street parties like there were in 1945 cannot be allowed.
On Sunday, May 10, ministers, priest and chaplains are encouraged to say prayers for those who lost their lives or were badly injured, and to recognise sacrifices made by those who worked on the home front in the fields and factories and hospitals.
Maj Gen Monro said: “VE Day marked the 'victory of the great British nation as a whole' in the words of Winston Churchill. On May 8 we should remember those who gave their lives or were terribly wounded, and those who made tremendous sacrifices on the home front.
“Let us reflect on their strength and stoicism and on their compassion and consideration for others in their communities. There are some similarities today.
"VE Day was a day of great national celebration. I hope that throughout Moray everyone will join in acts of commemoration and of celebration as best they can, and look forward to the moment when we can indeed ‘all meet again’.”
Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government, has revised plans for the anniversary.
More than 100 Second World War veterans were set to take centre stage as the nation paused to remember the generation that sacrificed so much.
Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced this to be postponed, however, a virtual service of remembrance will be broadcast live from the Legion Scotland Facebook page at 10.40 am on
Friday, May 8. The service will be conducted by Legion Scotland Padre Rev Dr Karen Campbell and will include a two-minute silence at 11am.
The service will then be followed at midday with an hour-long VE Day virtual tribute concert. The programme will include performances, reading and messages from a host of celebrities and
performers.
Claire Armstrong, chief executive of Legion Scotland and Mark Bibbey, chief executive of Poppyscotland, have called on individuals and communities across Scotland to come together to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation, from British, Commonwealth and Allied Forces to evacuees and those who served on the home front.
They added: "As we face some of the most challenging times since the end of the Second World War, now more than ever, it is important to come together and unite, just as
communities did 75 years ago.
"We are also encouraging everyone to hold their own virtual VE Day party in aid of Poppyscotland to help raise vital funds in support of our Armed Forces community."
Poppyscotland has put together a series of resources to help with this, including games and activities, recipe ideas and even a WW2 music and dance playlist.
It is hoped that thousands of people will connect with family and friends by popular video chat apps such as FaceTime and Zoom to mark this important milestone. More information can be found on the Poppyscotland website.
VE Day learning packs were issued to every school in Scotland just before the lockdown commenced. Initially developed for use in the classroom, these resources have become a
popular part of home schooling for many young people.
People are also urged to share their stories, pictures and video either via Legion Scotland's Facebook page or by email to veday75@legionscotland.org.uk and using the hashtag #VEDay75.
