We Are Today Where We Were 75 Years Ago. The Same Spirit Of Unity Is Bringing Us To The Same Goal: Freedom From Fear

Today, we mark a momentous event in our island history.

It was 75 years ago a joyous nation celebrated VE Day, the end of six long years of war and suffering.

Through the tears and laughter shone a bright new dawn, the promise of a better world for which our men and women had fought, on the battlefield and at home.

I was barely 18 months old at the time, so I have no memories of that glorious celebration. But I feel an uncanny link between then and now.

There is a renewal of hope. As forces sweetheart, Vera Lynn said: “VE Day will remind us all that hope remains even in the most difficult of times, and that simple acts of bravery and sacrifice still define our nation as the NHS works so hard to care for us.” In 1945, we had defeated fascism. Today, we are trying to beat an enemy we cannot see, but is just as lethal.

The conflict has moved from the killing fields of Europe to our NHS and the military are fighting alongside nurses, doctors and hospital porters.

As they did in 1945, the Royal Family are playing a leading role in today’s celebrations. The Prince of Wales will lead a two-minute silence at 11 am, and later in the day will read extracts from his grandfather King George VI’s diary, which describes VE Day in detail. These will include the King’s relief that the war in Europe was over, the family’s iconic appearances on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, and having lunch with Sir Winston Churchill.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has recorded a message of reflection and at 3 pm, extracts from Sir Winston Churchill’s 1945 victory speech will be broadcast.