As Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, I would offer a few words of reflection about this notable day, in the lives, and memories, of many people throughout the world, that is VE DAY, the end of the war in Europe 75 years ago.
During the 1930s, dark clouds started to gather over many of the peoples and nations throughout the World and resulted in a devastating world war which started as far as Great Britain was concerned in 1939.
However, the strength of our nation’s resolve was never in doubt, as they suffered hardship, loss, grief, and much more. Through determination, resolve and perseverance, the true grit of our people shone through and 6 weary years later the war as far as Europe was concerned was over.
The then Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, and his Majesty King George VIth declared a brief moment of celebration on the 8th May 1945. While it was not the actual end of the war, as the fighting still continued in the Far East for another 3 months, it was a special day nonetheless, to celebrate a great victory in Europe and at the same time reflect on the previous 6 years of war and hardship.
Now 75 years later, on the 8th of May 2020, we are here to reflect on that momentous occasion, when the war in Europe was declared over.
At this moment in time, dark clouds are once again gathering all over the World, in the shape of the Covid-19 virus. While it is not a war in the traditional sense, it is a war nonetheless. However, this fight is led by our fabulous NHS staff. They are supported by our Armed Forces, and all the other frontline workers keeping our nation running. On the 8th May 1945 when our celebrations were over, we turned our attention to winning the war in the Far East thus ending World War 2. Again, when this commemorative day is over, we will continue in our resolve to defeat this new Covid-19 war, with the same true grit shown by the British people in 1945 and, hopefully, we shall pull through once again.
So, I would like to ask you all to spare a thought, take a moment to reflect, and remember the brave members of our Armed Forces community who laid down their lives during World War 2, and for the hard difficult times the people back at home endured. Also reflect on the jubilation and relief they would have felt at that time, when VE day finally came, as most of us here today can only imagine what it would have been like.
Lady Haughey CBE
Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire