VE Day – 75th Anniversary
VE Day
8th May 1945 VE (Victory in Europe) Day – is one that remains in the memory of all those who witnessed it, it meant the end to nearly six years of war and millions of people rejoiced in the news that Germany had surrendered.
On 8th May 2020 the 75th Anniversary of VE Day was celebrated. While unfortunately Louth Town Council had had to cancel its original commemorative plans it was able to ask residents to take part in their own homes.
Over 300 people who gave their lives during WWI and WWII are remembered on the Roll of Honour at the War Memorial in Louth.
For a complete downloadable and printable list of all those people, click on the button below. Full detailed information about each person on the Louth Roll of Honour is also available on line
www.roll-of-honour.com/
Unmentioned in Despatches
Poet: Peter Wyton
Some of them never come home to fanfares,
they dump their kit-bags down at the door,
kiss their wives and let their children
wrestle them down to the kitchen floor,
switch the telly on, pour out a whiskey,
search for the local football score.
Some of them skip the quayside welcome,
dodge the bunting and cannonade,
make their landfall in silent harbours,
nod to the coastguard, but evade
the searchlight of public scrutiny
like those engaged in the smuggling trade.
Some of them land at lonely airfields
far removed from the celebration,
hang their flying gear in a locker,
cadge a lift to the railway station,
make for home and take for granted
the short-lived thanks of a grateful nation.
Some of them miss the royal salute,
the victory parade along the Mall,
the fly-past, the ships in formation passing
the cheering crowds on the harbour wall.
Remembered only by friends and relatives,
some of them never come home at all.
Tribute to the Millions
Let us remember those who so selflessly gave their lives at home and abroad, whose sacrifice enables us to enjoy the peace and freedom we have today.
Let us remember those who came home wounded, physically and mentally, and the friends and family who cared for them.
Let us remember those who returned to restore their relationships and rebuild their working lives after years of dreadful conflict and turmoil.
Let us remember the families that lost husbands, sons and sweethearts.
Let us remember the servicemen, merchant seamen, miners, brave civilians and others from Commonwealth and Allied countries – who fought, suffered and died during four years of war.
Let us remember those in reserved occupation and the brave people who kept us safe on the home front – the doctors and nurses who cared for the wounded, the women and men who toiled in the fields, those who worked in the factories, who all played such a vital role in the war effort at home.
75th Anniversary of VJ Day 15th August 2020
The Royal British Legion lowered the Standard in a 2-minute silence following the Last Post played by Adam Barter.
