Residents invited to ‘raise a glass’ at home to mark VE Day anniversary

A campaign launched in Peasedown St John is aiming to go national in honour of the country’s war heroes, as part of the VE Day 75th anniversary celebrations this Friday 8th May.

Due to the cancellation of VE Day events across the country on Friday, people are being encouraged to raise a glass at home instead.

The initiative, being coordinated by Peasedown St John community leaders, Cllr Karen Walker and Cllr Sarah Bevan (Independents), aims to see households mark the special day by toasting national war heroes in their living rooms, gardens, on their doorsteps and balconies.

Cllr Karen Walker said: “The coronavirus pandemic that’s sweeping across the country is making a huge impact on the way we live our lives.

“It means that we need to look at new ways of doing things, which includes the celebration of upcoming national events like Victory in Europe Day, with this year being the 75th anniversary.”

At the end of the Second World War, Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously declared that 8th May should be known as Victory in Europe Day.

The campaign also hopes to see modern-day heroes thanked as well, such as the key workers on the front line in the current coronavirus outbreak.

Cllr Sarah Bevan added: “Our heroes of today who are working on the front line in the fight against coronavirus can be applauded too.

“Their bravery and courage should never go unacknowledged or be forgotten. Let’s all raise a toast at 3pm on Friday 8th May at home, whether you’re in the living room, garden, on your front step or the balcony.

“We’re encouraging everyone to upload photos onto social media too, with the hash tags #RaiseAGlass and #VEDay75.”