10 ways to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe in lock down

The 75th anniversary of VE Day was to be commemorated on the 8th May with events across the UK, though due to recent Government guidelines regarding social distancing, an increasing number of events and activities are being cancelled or postponed, though there’s still lots you can do to celebrate VE Day.

• Clap 4 VE75

Just as we thank our heroes today in the NHS and all our keyworkers for the selfless commitment to defeat COVID-19 99-year old, RAF, D-Day veteran Stanley Northeast wants the nation to 'clap for victory' at 7.45pm Friday May 8th to thank and remember our heroes of WWII for their selfless courage to defeat the enemy. To get involved, join the Facebook group CLAP 4 VE 75

• Search for the military heroes in your family.

Do you know enough about your ancestors who fought in the First, or Second World War?

Log on to Forces War Records and find out more - there could be a war hero in your family just waiting to be discovered, and remembered… Discover interesting facts about your ancestors, become more knowledgeable about history, and reveal some of the fantastic characters involved in war…What are you waiting for search over 24 million records on Forces War Records

• Take part in two-minute silence.

The official VE Day 75th commemorations will begin at 11am with a national moment of remembrance and a two-minute silence

• Create bunting for VE Day.

You can make your own special VE Day 75 ‘Great British Bunting’ to display in your window at home. Hang your bunting with pride over the weekend of Friday 8 May - Sunday 10 May and make sure you share your pictures on social media using the hashtags #GreatBritishBunting, #VEDay75 and #BBCMakeaDifference. Get you templates and instructions from the BBC Great British Bunting

• Dedication Wall of Remembrance.

Post (and share) a lasting commemoration to your military ancestors, or loved one's on the Forces War Records Dedication Wall. It's completely free to use, plus you can search for other relatives too! Upload Your Dedication Here

• The Nation's Toast to the Heroes

At 3pm on 8th May 2020, the official VE Day 75 organisation invite everyone to join in The Nations Toast to the Heroes of WW2. Raise a glass, clap and cheer in remembrance of those who gave so much.

• Enjoy a ‘Stay at Home Party’ or have a picnic in your own garden.

Street parties aren't allowed because of Government social distancing rules but you could instead have a picnic or party in your own garden. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has produced a template pack so that the public can hold a 1940s style afternoon tea party at home complete with homemade VE Day bunting, original recipes, games, and educational and creative activities for children.

• Listen to the Queen's message to the nation.

A pre-recorded speech by the Queen will be broadcast at 9pm on BBC One, the exact moment her father, King George VI, gave a radio address in 1945. [Read the King’s message to the nation Here]

• Join in a national singalong

Her Majesty The Queen’s 9pm address to the nation will be followed by a national singalong of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’. The public will be encouraged to open their doors and join in with this national moment of celebration.

• Watch VE Day special broadcasts.

The BBC will broadcast two special programmes on BBC One to mark VE 75 which will be shown at 14:45 – 15:45 and 20:00 - 21:10.

All events will be pre-recorded. Journalists and the public are not encouraged to travel to watch events being filmed. The public are reminded not to travel to watch events and must adhere to the Government’s social distancing and travel guidance. Everyone must stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.

The upcoming 75th anniversary of VE Day is a fantastic opportunity to remember and thank our World War Two generation for the many personnel sacrifices they made - both at home and abroad, both in and out of uniform.

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