This week we celebrate VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) which marks the end of the Second World War in Europe.

It is an opportunity to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the freedoms that we hold so dear.  It is also an opportunity to celebrate the peace that followed.

It is important that we celebrate VE Day each year, but this year’s celebrations are especially important as it marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe.
Sadly, it could be one of the last major opportunities to thank our Second World War heroes in person.

Many of the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary in 2020 were cancelled due to the Covid lockdown so I am especially glad to see there is a full programme of events this week up and down the country.

Many of you will have watched or like me made it in person to see the miliary procession and the flypast in London on Bank Holiday Monday. It was great to see the Royal Family wave to the assembled crowds on the Mall.

Closer to home, there is a special service at 11am on Thursday, hosted by the Clacton Royal British Legion and Tendring District Council at the Clacton War Memorial.

I will be attending the service at Westminster Abbey before hosting a lunch for Second World War veterans so I sadly won’t be able to attend the service in Clacton but I am sure it will be a very solemn and moving event.

There are also a number of other events planned in the community including Afternoon Tea at The Plough pub and a free event at Haven Lodge with food, entertainment and dancing.

I am sure many of you will be hosting your friends and neighbours at street parties and celebrations of your own.

Whatever your plans I do hope you have the opportunity to suitably mark the occasion and remember those who gave up their lives for us.