Virtual VE Day 75
Published on 15 May 2020 08:47 AM
Age UK Rotherham celebrates a 'Virtual' VE Day 75
In spite of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown and the need for social distancing, Age UK trustees, staff and their families celebrated the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.
We had hoped to have an event commemorating this but even with Covid-19 lockdown and maintaining social distancing and shielding the most vulnerable, on 8th May we celebrated in our own homes and on our streets to show that we still care.
Much fun was had by all as can be seen in these photos:
Memories and feelings are often prompted by these celebrations that encourage us to remember people and events in our past, and our Joint Chair of Trustees, Chris Rivington remembered his mother and shares this with us.
VE day also prompted trustee Barbara Laird to remember her mum, here pictured in her uniform.
Age UK Rotherham CEO, Lesley Dabell also comments:
“The 75th anniversary celebrations for VE Day were not anything like we all expected they would be. We were expecting large gatherings in the community and family parties. What we got was a socially distanced time to celebrate the achievements of the 'war generation' and to think about the sacrifices they made. In my own family we reflected on what their lives must have been like and shared stories about family and friends at that time.”
“Society often views older people in terms of what they 'need' and forgets about what they have contributed and continue to contribute to society throughout their lives - this is true of the 'war generation' but also of subsequent generations who have worked, cared, encouraged and helped build families and communities since the war.”
Looking ahead to VJ Day 75 celebrations on 14-16 August 2020
Age UK Rotherham is also mindful of the contribution and sacrifice made by many Rotherham families to South East Asia Campaign. This prevented India being overrun and saw our "forgotten army" help to force the Japanese Empire into surrender on 15th August 1945.
We are monitoring the possible commemorations, being planned for VJ Day75, but the present Corona Virus lock down measures mean it is not yet possible to plan for these with certainty.
However If you are aware of any "veterans" of this campaign or have family memories you wish to share we would be pleased to hear from you.
Contact us on 01709 386836 or email written contributions to makingconnections@ageukrotherham.org