Ellesmere prepares VE and VJ Day events. The town will have services, displays, and activities to commemorate the war’s end.
St Mary’s Church bells will ring for peace, and they will hold a service on May 8 evening. This day marks the Nazi surrender in 1945, which ended almost six years of war in Europe. Leaders will lay wreaths at the war memorial, and a beacon will light outside the church too.
More celebrations happen on June 28, Armed Forces Day. This event includes the VE anniversary and also covers Japan’s surrender in August 1945. Japan surrendered after three years of war in the Far East.
The Royal British Legion plans activities, and a military group will display old vehicles. The Ronnies will perform at the town hall, singing 1940s songs. Furthermore, Shaun Higgins will give ‘An Airman’s Tale’, a talk and they will serve a wartime-style afternoon tea.
Ellesmere Library is planning an exhibition and will have reading suggestions. Kids can do Lego modelling, and local school pupils will also participate and share their own contributions. More details about plans are coming soon.
Councillor Liz Woodbridge leads the event planning and said it’s a unique chance for people to celebrate this anniversary. She said it is a time to honor those who served in World War Two, especially those who died. It is also a chance to thank veterans, she said, who matter now, and this may be the last chance.
Bob McBride says veterans are at the heart of events, and the Legion will thank the surviving veterans and honor those who died. Rev Pat Hawkins is glad the church can help, as it will remember those who made victory happen. The church can renew its commitment to their legacy.