VE Day 75th anniversary to be marked by virtual commemorations
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Caithness people are among those being invited to take part in virtual commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
Highland Council is supporting the public celebrations and has welcomed the Scottish Government's announcement that there will be an online service of remembrance and a two-minute silence on Friday.
Locally, five flags will be going up in Wick on Saturday morning in front of Caithness General Hospital to mark VE Day and a Union Jack will fly outside the Royal British Legion premises in Thurso.
Alex Paterson, chairman of RBLS Wick, Canisbay and Latheron, said: "That is about it – we cannot do much more at the moment. It will be unusually low-key."
Councillor Roddy Balfour, Highland Council's armed forces and veterans' champion, said: “VE Day marks the end of World War II in Europe which was a day of great rejoicing. It was the day freedom triumphed over the forces of an evil dictatorship which had cost the lives of millions of people.
“We would normally mark VE Day with an ecumenical service held in Inverness but this is not possible due to the Covid-19 lockdown."
The pandemic has meant that plans for the landmark anniversary – which were to include a parade, public concert and reception – will now take place online, with a video message of thanks from the First Minister and a concert in addition to the service and silence.
Led by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland in partnership with the Scottish Government, the commemorations will include children and families currently learning at home.
The two leading armed forces charities have unveiled a series of “virtual” events and activities to ensure that the historic moment from 1945, which saw an end to six years of war in Europe, will still receive due recognition.
The service of remembrance will be broadcast on Legion Scotland and Poppy Scotland’s social media channels from 10.40am until 11.15am with the online concert following from 11.45am to 1pm.
Featuring 1945-themed music, the virtual concert will showcase a range of performers that had been due to take part at the VE Day event in Princes Street Gardens in Edinbugh.
Actress and comedian Elaine C Smith is among those who was pre-recorded in her own home for the event and the concert will be narrated by Mark McKenzie from the British Forces Broadcasting Service.
Poppyscotland has produced a range of online educational resources for activities that will help families learn about VE Day and participate in marking the 75th anniversary at home.
Top it all off, Poppyscotland is encouraging the public to host their own virtual VE Day party at home on Friday.
The charity has put together a series of resources, including wartime recipes and World War II playlists.
Dr Claire Armstrong, CEO at Legion Scotland, said: “I believe it is important for people to know that even in lockdown we are able to create an alternative way to mark this special occasion and to pay our respects as we bring people together virtually on May 8, to commemorate VE Day.
“As the custodians of remembrance in Scotland, our involvement in services of commemoration like these is so important. They allow our communities to join together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, or who returned from battles in foreign lands with life-changing injuries.
"We will remember them and, even during this unprecedented pandemic, our enduring message of comradeship comes very much to the fore.”
Gordon Michie, the head of fundraising and learning at Poppyscotland, said: “Charities across the country are facing major funding challenges and Poppyscotland is no different.
"Having already cancelled numerous fundraising events due to the coronavirus pandemic, the postponement of the official VE Day programme will see Poppyscotland miss out on tens of thousands of pounds in expected donations."
The Queen will commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a televised address to the nation on BBC One at 9pm – the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address 75 years ago.
This will be followed by a nationwide sing-along to Dame Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again.
