We have been sent the letter below regarding celebrations to mark the 

75th anniversary of VE day.

At our meeting on 12th February we decided that we would not initiate any

celebrations ourselves but would support anyone wishing to do so.

                                                      

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO PAY TRIBUTE

TO THE HUGE CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN DURING THE DARK DAYS OF WWII

 

VE Day 75 provides an exceptional opportunity to pay tribute to the millions of women who contributed so much to the war effort during 1939-45. They played such a vital role during the years of conflict, with the vast majority of them not knowing if their husbands, sons, daughters and sweethearts would ever return home during or after the war ended.

 

So let us ALL ensure that the VE Day 75 celebrations on the 8^th May this year recognise and thank the many millions of women throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and other allied countries around the world who worked so tirelessly, and sacrificed so much during WWII.

 

As part of our celebrations, four young women will climb the four highest Peaks in the United Kingdom – Ben Nevis, Scotland; Mount Snowdon, Wales; Scafell Pike, England, and Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland.  When reaching the top of their Peak at 3pm on the 8^th May, they will undertake the 'Nation's Toast to the Heroes of WWII' on behalf of women around the world. It will be the first time such an undertaking has occurred so we applaud their initiative.

 

We would therefore, like the communities throughout Scotland to encourage the women within their communities to pay a personal tribute to their courageous forebears by raising a glass or another refreshment of their choice and carry out the 'Nation's Toast to the Heroes of WWI' at a location of their preference at 3pm on the 8^th May. Let us ALL ensure the important part played by women during WWII is truly celebrated and NOT forgotten.

 

This event also provides a unique opportunity for local communities to involve the various homes for the elderly within local areas too, ensuring they feel part of the celebrations on 8^th May this year.

 

VE Day 75, over the VE Day 75 Weekend of 8^th - 10^th May 2020, will be an international celebration of peace – a time to remember, reflect and pay tribute to the millions of people who played such a vital part in achieving it. This includes armed forces personnel from many countries who gave their lives or were physically and mentally injured; the hard-working women and men who kept the factories, mines, shipyards and farms operating; the ARP wardens, police officers, doctors, nurses, firemen, local defence volunteers and many others who safeguarded the home front.

 

The following series of commemorative events over the weekend will recognise the contributions of everyone during WWII, while raising valuable funds for our charity partner, SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity, which has been supporting service personnel, veterans and their families since 1885.

• The piping of Battle's O'er & VE 75 Years
• The Nation's Toast to the Heroes of WWII
• The Cry for Peace Around the World
• Churches & cathedrals Ringing Out for Peace
• Street parties and celebrations in pubs, clubs and hotels, on town and village greens and in village halls
• Services of commemoration and celebration in churches, including the reading of the Tribute to the Millions and the playing of the Last Post and Reveille.

 

For further information and those wishing to take part, along with registering their involvement, please go to the VE day 75 website – www.veday75.org and register your/their event by NO later that 30^th April to enable us to keep in touch with them, along with informing the media of your/their involvement nearer the time.

 

THOSE THAT HAVE ALREADY REGISTERED ARE BEING ASKED NOT TO DO SO AGAIN TO AVOID DUPLICATION

 

My warmest regards,

Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR

Pageantmaster VE Day 75

Tel: + 44 (0) 7737 262 913

Email: brunopeek@mac.com

Website: www.veday75.org