“Stay safe and stay strong”- the message from Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader on the 75th anniversary of VE Day

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Oldham Council, pays tribute to VE Day and frontline staff in the NHS and other key workers.  The 8th May marks the end of World War Two in Europe as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).  It is an important day for many people across the UK, Europe and Commonwealth Nations.  People use this time to contemplate and pay respect to the personal sacrifice of others.

There will be an address from the Queen on the BBC.  Other plans include a public doorstep singing of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.

Councillor Sykes says: “This VE Day is especially important.  Many will feel frustrated they cannot see loved ones and pay their respects as usually done.  But you will meet again, stay safe and stay strong for each other.”

“The battle against Covid-19 goes on, let us think of those on the frontline in the and the sacrifice they are making every day.”

VE commemoration schedule:

• 11am — Two-minute national silence to remember the declaration of victory and the end of the Second World War in Europe.

• 2.45pm – 3.45pm — The first of two special BBC One  programmes to mark VE75, including extract from Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech delivered at 3pm on VE Day.

• Afternoon — Britons encouraged to hold 1940s-style afternoon tea parties at home rather than street parties, including homemade bunting and recipes from the era.

• 9pm — Address by the Queen followed by national doorstep rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.