Eckington & Killamarsh Doorsteppa April 20

The Doorsteppa
29 HISTORY
This month we thought it apt to mark the 75th
Anniversary of VE Day on the 8th of May 2020.
VE Day – or ‘Victory in Europe Day’ marked the end
of World War Two (WW2) when fighting against Nazi
Germany in Europe came to an end.
On the 8th of May 1945, Prime Minister Winston
Churchill made an announcement on the radio at
3.00 pm that the war in Europe had come to an end,
following Germany’s surrender the day before. By
the beginning of 1945, the German army had been
weakened and defeat looked likely. Tuesday the 8th
of May was an emotional day that millions of people
had been waiting for. Many people were extremely
happy that the fighting had stopped and there were
big celebrations and street parties. Hugh crowds –
with lots of people dressed in red, white and blue –
gathered outside Buckingham Palace in London.
They cheered as King George VI and his family,
including Princess Elizabeth (now our Queen) and
Princess Margaret came out on to the balcony to
greet everyone.
VE Day A party at Norwood
Princess Elizabeth and her sister were allowed to
leave the Palace and celebrate with crowds outside,
although they had to do it secretly. Many people
also attended church services to thank God for the
victory. London’s St Paul’s cathedral held 10 services,
which were attended by thousands of people.
But VE Day was also a moment of great sadness and
reflection, as millions of people had lost their lives or
loved ones in the conflict. Many had to continue
fighting in other battles and lots of people were
being kept as prisoners of war abroad.
Even though VE Day marked victory for Europe over
Germany, it did not mark the end of World War Two.
In his VE Day announcement, Winston Churchill said:
“We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing,
but let us not forget for a moment the toil and
efforts that lie ahead.” Even after the 8th of May,
many soldiers, sailors and pilots were sent to the
east to fight against the Japanese who had not yet
surrendered.
This came on the 14th of August 1945, after two
atomic bombs were dropped on the Japanese cities
of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On the 15th of August
1945 the allies had officially defeated Japan and this
date is known as VJ Day.
VE Day at the Nags Head pub
The May Day holiday this year has been moved back
by four days to Friday the 8th of May for the whole
of the UK, to coincide with the 75th Anniversary of
VE Day.
Sir Andrew Gregory, chief executive of SSAFA, the
Armed Forces charity, said the government’s
decision was fitting. “It is our duty to keep the
events of the past alive in collective memory,
including future generations – this is how we ensure
that such a conflict never happens again,” he said.
“It is our hope that the nation takes a moment to
reflect on the significance of this date, as a milestone
that changed the course of history for the whole
world,” he added.
On Saturday the 9th of May, Killamarsh VE Day 75 is
taking place at Killamarsh Leisure Centre from 11.00
am to 5.00 pm. This is a free family event with lots
of activities, stalls etc. Why not dress in 1940s style
to add to the atmosphere (optional). As part of this
event there will be a Civic Service at St Giles Church,
Kirkcroft Lane which everyone is welcome to attend.
Visit our website – www.killamarsh.org
Tel: 0114 4185359 • Mob: 07903 858276 • Email: thedoorsteppa@gmail.com • Web: www.thedoorsteppa.co.uk