VE Day 75th anniversary commemorations during coronavirus crisis
Today's VE Day commemorations will be marked in a different manner this year, in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945 brought to a close six years of war, hardship and suffering through which the spirit of the British people shone.
Only a matter of months ago, few could have imagined a pandemic forcing this year’s momentous Victory in Europe (VE Day) diamond anniversary commemoration behind closed doors.
Instead of taking to the streets, many will now tune in online to toast, celebrate and pay poignant tribute to the heroics and grim sacrifices of the armed forces and ordinary citizens during World War II.
Among them locally will be a small army of artistic children, carers, parents and grandparents.
ARTventurers Inverness, part of a wider national creative art and craft franchise, is taking part in a Big Neighbourhood VE Day 75 Family Festival.
Local organiser Linsey Macrae is encouraging members of her community Facebook page and anyone else interested to join in.
She said: “We’ve changed our own window displays with bunting and VE Day artwork and we’re asking others to do the same.
“The big idea is to try and get as many neighbours as possible out into their front gardens in streets where people can sit, social-distancing but together in spirit. It’s a kind of socially-distanced tea party!”
Some houses in Inverness already have images of poppies and bunting in the windows.
An 11am two-minute silence will be observed nationally and the official nationwide toast is scheduled for 3pm.
Local ARTventurers recruits have already joined a nationwide effort to send bunting to 100-year-old retired British army officer colonel Tom Moore.
The war memorial at Cavell Gardens in Inverness would normally be the local focus for a VE Day commemoration service.
This year, Highland Council is following the Scottish Government lead and supporting VE Day’s online commemorations.
A council spokeswoman said: “There will be no public displays or events organised by the Highland Council while the country is in lockdown.”
All national celebrations, led by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, will now take place online along with a video message of thanks from the First Minister. A remembrance service will be broadcast via Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland’s social media channels from 10.40am-11.15am and an online concert will run from 11.45am-1pm.
