County Hall will be flying the flag to mark 75 years since the Second World War came to an end in Europe this Bank Holiday weekend.
We will be raising the Union Flag as well as lighting up Glenfield HQ in red, white and blue to show support for all our armed forces as part of VE Day.
The official commemorations will begin at 11am tomorrow (Friday) with a national moment of remembrance and a two-minute silence and residents are being encouraged to celebrate from the safety of their homes.
In 1945, the people of Leicestershire joined in Victory in Europe celebrations, celebrating heroes at home and on the frontline. And 75 years on, residents across Leicestershire will join in from their homes and gardens to remember those who lost their lives, so that we could live ours.
“Today we are facing a very different battle – our heroes on the frontline are nurses and doctors, social care workers, supermarket staff, delivery drivers and everyone else keeping us safe and healthy. And 75 years later, it remains just as important to come together, play our part and look out for each other.
Person:Nick Rushton, Council leaderResidents are being encouraged to share their Second World War stories, family histories and messages of remembrance on our social media channels using the #VEDAY75 hashtag.
The flagship planned service at Leicester Cathedral will now be a virtual service streamed from the cathedral via YouTube. The service will be led by the Sub Dean, Revd Alison Adams, and Bishop Martyn will preach. There will be readings from the Lord-Lieutenant, Mike Kapur, and the Deputy Commander of 7 Infantry Brigade, Colonel David Wakefield.
Residents can also get involved with national events which includes a two-minute silence at 11am and a televised address from The Queen at 9pm. The pre-recorded address by The Queen will be followed by a national sing-along of the wartime favourite Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.
The government and English Heritage have created a range of online resources to help everyone get involved in celebrating VE Day. Ideas include tips on how to make bunting, how to produce celebratory posters, colouring ideas and music of the time to play at your party.
For more information on VE Day celebrations across the county, including the virtual Leicester Cathedral service, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/veday75