Greenwich embraces VE Day with outpouring of heartfelt nostalgia
Greenwich’s royal connections arguably lent extra poignancy to this week’s VE celebrations as the royal borough put out the bunting and came together in large numbers in commemoration.
The end of World War II in Europe in 1945 is always feted on May 8 each year, but this year was extra special because it is the 80th anniversary.
Residents threw over 20 street parties across the borough on Monday, after the council waived fees for road closures to celebrate. And yesterday, the Mayor of Greenwich, councillor Jit Ranabhat raised the VE Day 80 flag above Woolwich Town Hall, followed by a memorial service.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, cabinet member for equality, culture and communities, who joined the, said: “To see our communities celebrate VE Day together, just as residents did back in 1945, was a truly historic moment.
“As home to a military base, Woolwich was a regular target for air raids, yet our communities kept calm and carried on, to protect the future we are now living in. Our borough’s unique military history makes VE Day especially poignant to Royal Greenwich residents and today we thank those who fought for our freedom in World War II, and our armed forces community who continue to do so.”
Councillors, residents, Woolwich Garrison Commander, the Royal British Legion, faith leaders, council staff and 52 Woolwich Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets joined the Mayor and Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Council, for a memorial service in the newly refurbished Woolwich Town Hall.
Cadets shared wartime poems, and attendees observed a two-minutes silence. The Exhortation was recited by David Ball, Royal British Legion (Charlton and Blackheath), with the Last Post performed by bugler Alex Cromwell, before wreaths were laid.
Local Royal British Legion branches also held a wreath laying in Abbey Wood Memorial Gardens.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is home to the second largest armed forces community in London. The council reaffirmed its commitment to the nationally recognised Armed Forces Covenant on Armistice Day back in 2022.
The covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Pictured top: Streets ahead – families getting together to mark the occasion (Picture: Chris O’Donovan)
