Patchway commemorates VE Day

Patchway commemorated the 80th Anniversary of VE Day by participating in the national Lighting of Beacons across the nation for the ‘out of the darkness of war comes the light of peace’ theme.

At 9.30pm, Mayor of Patchway Cllr Dayley Lawrence read out the Proclamation before the Lighting of the Beacon by the Council Estates team.

Residents, cadets and members of the Royal British Legion were present for the commemoration event held at The Tumps. Cllrs Roger Loveridge, Pete Knight and Angela Morey and Town Clerk Suzanne Howard also attended from the Council.

Earlier in the day, the Mayor and the Town Clerk Suzanne Howard attended a VE Day event at Olive Tree House residential home for older persons. The Mayor and Clerk met residents, enjoyed a cream tea and experienced a special memory room created for the residents.

Mayor of Patchway Cllr Dayley Lawrence said, ‘I was humbled and proud to light the Beacon and read the Proclamation to represent the community of Patchway in this national moment of commemoration and remembrance. This anniversary is an important moment for all of us to remember and ensure future generations do not forget’.

The VE Day 80 Proclamation in full

Eighty years ago today the United Kingdom and its allies from around the globe celebrated VE Day – the end of the war in Europe.

Today as we come together to commemorate what came to be known as VE Day our thoughts turn to thanksgiving and remembrance of those millions that gave so much to achieve the freedom we all enjoy today.

We remember those we lost, those who were wounded or scarred, those whose lives were forever changed by war. Nobody was immune from the impact of that terrible conflict.

Let us pause to remember their sacrifice.

We reflect too upon the words of our late and glorious Queen, Elizabeth – “Never Give Up, Never Despair”.

And so we offer thanksgiving for the selflessness of those who gave up so much in order that future generations should enjoy the blessings of freedom, democracy and peace.

God Save the King