VE Day 2020.

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75 years ago Britian celebrated the end of the War in Europe on May 8th 1945.  After six years of fighting, rationing, the bombings and millions who lost their lives the War in Europe was over.  The current situation is a juxtaposition with then and it seems quite appropriate that we should be celebrating this whilst in Lockdown!

Our families were very much involved with WWII, my Father was an aircraft engineer in the RAF and DH’s father was a member of the Royal Engineers.  My Grandfather was in a reserved occupation so was an air raid warden during the War and DH’s Grandfather was also in a reserved occupation, he was a gentleman farmer, so he became a Policeman.  

My Dad was actually in India and Burma so was actually still fighting when May 8th occurred and his service did not end until VJ Day on August 15th 1945. 

We should have been having celebrations around the country and DH was due to commentate on them locally but of course they have all been cancelled due to the current situation.  However they are talking about doing something later in the year depending upon how things go!

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Our families were very lucky in that they came home but so many did not and it is their sacrifice that means we are free today. 

For the Fallen

By Laurence Binyon

 
With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.
Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal 
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.
They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: 
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; 
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England’s foam.
But where our desires are and our hopes profound, 
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, 
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, 
To the end, to the end, they remain. 
(First Published in The London Times 1914)
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As we remember those that fell during WWII, and WWI, we also remember all those who have fallen since in modern conflicts around the World.  Also to all those serving in the various services now. who are busy helping with the current situation.  Thank You.
Stay safe.
Hugs & Love Susie xx
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2 thoughts on “VE Day 2020.”

  1. farmquilter

    Beautiful poem!! We should never forget the sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price, were wounded or were blessed to come through any war unscathed…we owe them a debt that can never be repaid. We need to live our lives in honor of them and what they were/are willing to sacrifice for us, people they will never know. Just going back to WWII, I have 6 immediate family members who have served in WWII, Vietnam War, and the war against the Taliban. With two of my daughters currently serving, I know the sacrifices made by them individually and by their families. Thank you, Susie, for the reminder!!

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