It is 80 years since VE-Day, 'Victory in Europe Day.'
I wandered about the town hoping to see some reaction from the townsfolk regarding this event, while there was some it was pitifully small.
Two shops in the High Street had a display, one or two others some small degree or remembrance was shown. The town council on the other hand, unlike 40 town and village councils around the district had nothing to show. It may have cost money so it was ignored. The local paper managed a decent splash, the museum had no display but offered some relevant posts on Facebook, and the big businesses in town did nothing.
There are 85 names on the memorial and I have discovered several more. Some 88 men and one young woman died during the conflict, yet the council forgets them. Several were killed by enemy action in the town, one by an accident, it appears they do not count. Houses were destroyed, many passing aircraft left damage behind, injured were treated, and V2 'doodlebugs' fell all around the town killing one. But the council have decided that is in the past, money is short, and others can commemorate the Victory in Europe Day, but not us.
I hope the 10 men who died in the Far East will be remembered come August 15th, VJ-Day, 'Victory over Japan,' but I hold out no hope for that.
4 comments:
You can bet your boots VJ Day will pass unobserved in most places....
Fly, Council claim others had money for such events, not us.
It should be observed and honored. As an American, I am saddened by how little my fellow countrymen (and women!) know anything about WW2 or WW1 for that matter.
Kay, The younger generation in the US will feel far from these wars. Possibly Vietnam or Iraq are more relevant to them. I know you will respect these days.
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