ONE of the greatest peacetime challenges the UK has ever faces has prevented us from marking the 75th anniversary in the way which was hoped.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, street parties and public events across the UK have been cancelled, including Wrexham’s Spitfire in Llwyn Isaf.

But that does not mean respects cannot be paid to the armed forces as well as adhering to the government guidelines.

Wrexham residents are being asked to celebrate the event at home.

Councillor David Griffiths – Armed Forces Champion, said: “Seventy five years ago, peace fell across Europe after nearly six years of all-out war. For most of us, it’s hard to imagine what that felt like.

As well as the injury, death and suffering inflicted on the battlefields, in bombed-out cities, ghettos and concentration camps, there was the emotional, social and economic hardship endured in every community.

“People lost loved ones. They lost their health. Jobs and promising careers were extinguished. Many people lost their homes. Food and clothes were limited. It was a ‘new normal.’

“So imagine how it felt when – at 2.45pm on May 8 in 1945 – Winston Churchill announced Germany’s surrender.

“The nightmare in Europe was finally over, and it must have been an incredible moment of elation and relief.

“It must have been a very sad moment too. Because it was clear that so many people had lost their futures and wouldn’t get to live the lives they should’ve lived.

“Although their numbers are fewer these days, there are still people among us who lived through the war.

“Veterans who served in the armed forces, people who kept the nation going at home, and those who were children growing up during those years.

“We owe these people, and those who are no longer with us, a massive debt of gratitude and respect, bigger than we can ever repay. And now, more than ever, we can take inspiration from what they did.”

The council has released ten ways in which people can celebrate at home. These include:

  • Taking part in a two-minute silence at 11am.
  • Holding a VE Day themed victory party with members of your household.
  • Join the Royal British Legion live stream at 11.15am.
  • Learn to Hindy Hop with Englsh Heritage’s live dance tutorial at 12pm.
  • Give yourself a 1940s makeover with the English Heritage online tutorial at 2pm.
  • Tune into Winston Churchill’s speech at 3pm on BBC.
  • Take a look at the Imperial War Museums website.
  • Watch historian Dan Snow live on YouTube at 4pm.
  • Tune in for the Queen’s message at 9pm.
  • Take part in the national sing-along ‘We’ll Meet Again’ step.

Cllr Griffiths added: “I hope some of these ideas inspire you to help Wrexham and the rest of the UK celebrate this Friday.

"Think about those who gave their lives, learn from those who lived through it, and have fun. And please remember, Stay at home. Save lives. Protect the NHS."