“Never give up, never despair.”
Queen Elizabeth II
In case it missed your spot in the world, we were celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day, here in the UK, in the midst of lockdown.
VE Day – Victory in Europe Day. The day Europe officially won the war against Hitler and the Nazi regime. Of course, it went on in certain places a little longer, and declaring a win didn’t automatically mean that all the soldiers were miraculously back at home, homes weren’t suddenly rebuilt, the world wasn’t back to normal, by any means.
But it was a momentous day because hope was restored. It wouldn’t be long before the troops came back. Lives could be rebuilt and slowly, normality would resume.
It was going to be aa huge thing here, pre-Lockdown.
Our usual May Day bank holiday was even changed from a Monday to Friday as it fell on the 8th May, which was the exact date the anniversary would be.
The plan was for huge street parties to mirror the celebrations that took place three quarters of a century ago. Bunting, flags, decorations. Music, food and drink. A real sense of community spirit.
But then Lockdown happened.
The whole huge event was going to be a muted affair.
But how can you let it go, unmarked?
At school, on my teaching day, we talked about VE Day and its meaning. We watched a video, made bunting and even a bunker out of huge cardboard boxes, because that’s what the kids wanted to do.
And an invitation was popped into our letterbox for a socially distanced street party too!
So we baked and dressed in red, white and blue. Quick home made patriotic decorations were hung from windows and doors.
And it was lovely to see the community coming together.
We stayed, the kids and I for a short while, seated at a safe distance from others, but able to talk a little.
The children blossomed at the chance to see other faces, and chat to friends they were unable to see usually, from a distance, of course.
We left before things started to get a little crowded. As the drink flowed, I’m sure the urge to break social distancing rules would win against staying safe.
So we came home to do some mindful colouring in the garden instead!
So… tell me, did you celebrate VE Day? What did you do?
But I Smile Anyway... 