'We are able to live today because of the sacrifice of yesterday'

WALES' First Minister led tributes to the sacrifices of past generations as the Senedd marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

- By CHRIS HAINES

Eluned Morgan gave a statement ahead of VE Day tomorrow, which marks 80 years since Allied victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

She told the Senedd: “This wasn’t just another date in the history books. This was a moment that changed lives, that changed Wales, that changed our world.

“For us in Wales, this wasn’t some distant battlefield victory. This touched every street, every village, every family.

“Over 15,000 Welsh people never came home. Thousands more returned with wounds, both visible and hidden. We must never forget them.”

The First Minister added: “Think about what our communities endured - loved ones gone for years, strict rationing and the terror of bombs falling.

“This wasn’t a faraway war; it brought terror to Wales, in particular through the Blitz and its raids on the ports of South Wales and Pembroke Dock.

“My own father’s house took a direct hit in Tremorfa in Cardiff docks - it was utterly obliterated and luckily they’d just reached the Anderson shelter in time.