VE Day 75: What you need to know to join in the celebrations

VE Day events may be cancelled but there are still a number of ways you can celebrate in the comfort of your own home.
Picture: Getty ImagesPicture: Getty Images
Picture: Getty Images

The Royal British Legion is playing a central role in the delivery of a range of remote activity for people to participate in from home. This includes a VE Day 75 livestream, national moments of Remembrance and thanksgiving.

The Legion is encouraging people of all generations and communities to take part in the activities on Friday, May 8 and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation. As society faces some of the most challenging times since of the Second World War, it is now more important than ever to unite in recognition of service to the nation, just as communities did 75 years ago.

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A number of different councils across the county are asking members of the public to have their own stay at home party. Flyers have been shared asking people to decorate their house in red, white and blue flags, enjoy a picnic in their own garden with good food and games and commemorate the anniversary with their family.

At 11am the Legion is asking people to join in a national moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11am and pause for a two minute silence. Not onlt in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, but also to reflect on the devastating impact of Covid-19 has had on so many people across the world.

Following the Silence the Legion is hosting a VE Day livestream, sharing stories and memories from those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War. The Legion is inviting people to grab a cup of tea and join us for the livestream as we bring the World War Two generation together with today’s generation to chat about their experiences.

The stream will be live from 11.15am on the Legion’s website rbl.org.uk/veday75At 2.55pm solo buglers, trumpeters and cornet players are being encouraged to head to their gardens or balconies to play the Last Post.

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The VE Day event website it wants people to undertake the ‘Nation’s Toast to the heroes of WW2’ at 3pm on May 8, from the safety of their own home by standing up and raise a glass of refreshment of their choice and undertake the following ‘toast’: “To those who gave so much, we thank you,” using this unique opportunity to pay tribute to the many millions at home and abroad that gave so much to ensure we all enjoy and share the freedom we have today.

At 7.05pm town criers from around the UK are being asked to do the reading ‘Cry for Peace Around the World’ from home and live on Facebook.

Stanley Northeast, who was born in Arundel and lived in Wick for many years, is calling for the the nation to ‘clap for victory’ at 7.45pm

At 9pm the day will end with the country being asked to head to their gardens and front doors to take part in a singalong of Dame Vera's 'We'll Meet Again', you can find the lyrics here

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