Despite the coronavirus crisis and the government restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID -19, there are still plans for Swanage to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe during World War Two on Friday 8th May 2020.
While the plans for street parties have had to be scrapped, the Chairman of the Swanage British Legion, Steve Churchill has made this announcement:
“In 2020 we had hoped to have been able to celebrate Victory in Europe 75 years ago (VE75), but due to the advent of the Covid-19 crisis, these events have had to be cancelled. The Royal British Legion, in collaboration with others, is now working hard to develop plans to appropriately mark this significant WW2 anniversary, within the constraints of social distancing.”
Steve is urging everyone in Swanage to take part in the ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2’ at 3 pm on the 8th May, from the safety of their own home by standing up and paying tribute to all those who gave so much.
He said:
“I hope that this simple act will show the people of that generation, that we honour and respect them and what they did and sacrificed on our behalf, even during this time of national crisis.”
Flags in red, white and blue
Also he’s suggesting that local residents could, if they’d like, decorate their homes with flags in red, white and blue to say ‘thank you’ to all the veterans, both locally and around the country. The results could then be posted on social media for everyone to see.
Steve added:
“I very much hope that our community will join others around the country, by marking this important moment in whichever way possible.”
