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Essex residents encouraged to mark VE Day at home

6th May 2020
Posted by Johnny Jenkins

Essex residents are encouraged to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day and once again pull together for the good of the nation – by observing social-distancing.

Due to the COVID-19 social-distancing restrictions most VE Day 75 events have had to be cancelled or postponed, but Essex residents are encouraged to mark the occasion in their own homes.

Cllr David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said:

“Celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day, but please, celebrate at home. This was a great victory, achieved through years of hardship and struggle and it is right we remember the effort and sacrifice of those brave men and women, from Essex and across the country, who secured our freedom.

“Today our great county faces a different difficult task. We need people to stay at home and celebrate with their own household, as this is the only way will we protect the NHS and save lives.

“Community is what binds us and makes us safe and at Essex County Council we particularly support building strong, resilient communities. VE Day this year is NOT about street parties, but people coming out into front gardens, or on doorsteps, as they do to applaud carers and the NHS, is fine.

“It’s fine to sit in your front garden and talk to your neighbours, but please always remember and observe the two-metre rule – if a person is not a member of your household, please stay two metres away.

“A sincere thank you to everyone for following the social distancing guidance. Let’s make this a VE Day where once again, we all pull together for the good of the nation.”

A round-up of online resources available to residents in Essex can be found here: https://www.essex.gov.uk/news/councils-across-essex-helping-residents-to-celebrate-the-75th-anniversary-of

There is a full programme of national celebrations planned for Friday which can be found here: https://www.veday75.org/

The national commemorations taking place on VE Day include:

  • Two special programmes on BBC One
  • A two-minute silence of remembrance at 11am
  • The ‘Nations’ Toast to the Heroes of World War 2’ at 3pm – A chance to stand at home and raise a glass of refreshment of your choice to toast – “Those who gave so much, we thank you”
  • A pre-recorded televised address from Her Majesty The Queen at 9pm.