St Albans Cathedral
Listen for the bells at noon, watch Evensong and take part in Picnic for Hope
Friday 8 May is the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the day when an official end to nearly six years of war in Europe was celebrated. The country experienced a surge of relief and euphoria – tempered, of course, with grief for those who would never return. Spontaneous parties broke out around the country with dancing in the streets, pubs open late (the government had checked there were sufficient beer stocks before declaring the date an official public holiday!) and appearances from the Royal Family and Winston Churchill on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
We can’t commemorate this momentous anniversary as we’d like, but that’s no reason to let the occasion pass unmarked. With social distancing measures still in place there are still lots of ways we can celebrate together, apart.
Marking VE Day’s 75th anniversary has been made exceptionally challenging by the Covid-19 emergency with people isolating at home, maintaining social distance and avoiding large gatherings.
I am hoping, though, that our residents can come together by joining me in a toast at 3pm on Friday 8 May to commemorate this turning point in our history.
This will be our way of saluting those generations who made so many sacrifices during World War Two and had their lives changed for ever.
We will always be in their debt and should never forget those who lost their lives or suffered terrible injury while protecting the freedoms we enjoy today.
I’m asking for residents throughout our District to stand up and toast those heroes on VE Day 75, thanking them for all they did for us. Please join me at 3pm on Friday 8th May in saying:
Mayor of St Albans City and District, Councillor Janet Smith
The Mayor’s Pride Awards take place every March, with the aim of recognising organisations and individuals who go above and beyond to help others in the community. You can nominate somebody at any time, using our easy online form. You’ll have to select a category and write a few words about why you think they deserve to be rewarded. Watch this space for how to nominate.
Listen for the bells at noon, watch Evensong and take part in Picnic for Hope
Learn about how VE Day was celebrated in St Albans and enjoy family activities
There are lots of information and toolkits online to help
Join the Great British Quiz, explore a rainbow trail and sing along to wartime songs
Vintage clothes, cream tea delivery and more!
Share your VE Day 75 photo and win a £50 St Albans gift card!