VE Day 75 - the 8th through to the 10th May 2020 represents an important milestone in the history of our country and indeed the world. The 8th May 1945 was the day, 75 years ago, that peace broke out and brought an end to nearly six dreadful years of war and carnage.

We cannot therefore, let this day pass without reflecting on the enormous sacrifice, courage and sheer determination of the people who saw us through this dark and frightening period. VE Day 75, which has now been extended to cover the weekend of 8th - 10th May 2020, should be an international celebration of peace - a time to remember and pay tribute to those who played such a vital part in achieving it.

The men and women of the armed forces from many different countries who gave their lives for us all, and those who returned home injured in body, mind and spirit. The hard-working women and men who kept the factories, mines, shipyards and farms operating throughout the years of hard-ship and turmoil. The ARP wardens, those who toiled in the fields, the police officers, doctors, nurses, firemen, Local Defence Volunteers, Boy Scouts and others that put their lives on hold to safeguard the home front.

The 75th Anniversary of VE Day will include the playing of Battle’s Oe’r, the traditional tune played on the Pipes at the end of a battle, by thousands of Pipers throughout the world, four of which will be undertaking this from the top of the four highest Peaks in the UK, the ‘Cry for Peace, around the World by Town Criers and other individuals, starting off in New Zealand, the ringing of church bells, street parties and celebrations in pubs, clubs, hotels, village halls, town and village greens, church services of thanksgiving, as well as the playing of the Last Post, in commemoration of the peace that these and others around the world helped realise.