On the 8 th May 2020 we celebrate VE Day. VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day. It has been 75 years since that day. Just over 80 years ago, the Second World War began. It was a huge war that involved most nations of the world. On 8 May 1945, at 3 p.m., Winston Churchill, the UK prime minister at that time, announced to the nation that the war in Europe was over. This meant an end to nearly six years of war that had cost the lives of millions of people and had destroyed families, homes and cities. Millions rejoiced at the news that Germany had surrendered, relieved that the intense strain of war was finally over. In towns and cities across the world, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing and singing. Find out more by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEavcsrMo Mw or on Newsround https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48201749
Transcript
On the 8th May 2020 we celebrate VE Day.
VE Day stands for Victory in Europe Day. It has been 75 years since that day.
Just over 80 years ago, the Second World War began. It was a huge war that involved most nations of the world. On 8 May 1945, at 3 p.m., Winston Churchill, the UK prime minister at that time, announced to the nation that the war in Europe was over. This meant an end to nearly six years of war that had cost the lives of millions of people and had destroyed families, homes and cities.
Millions rejoiced at the news that Germany had surrendered, relieved that the intense strain of war was finally over. In towns and cities across the world, people marked the victory with street parties, dancing and singing.
Find out more by watching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEavcsrMoMw or on Newsround https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48201749
In 1945 when the end of the war was announced many people threw a celebration. They went out onto the streets and celebrated with their neighbours.
At the moment, we can’t do this, but you could celebrate at home with your family.
• Decorate your house with bunting you have made
• Decorate and design your own special paper plates for each of your family members
• Cook some special food to eat at the party
On the next page you will find some special war time recipes that your could try and make for your party?
Older children could try and budget a party. Set an amount to spend and work out how much food is going to cost, decorations and invite. Can you get it in budget?
Can you try and cook some of these war time recipes?
War time medals:
During the war, soldiers were given medals for recognition of service and bravery.
Can you design and create a new medal?
This could be linked to WWII or linked to the current lockdown. Maybe you could design a new medal for a key worker (NHS staff, teacher, delivery driver etc).
You could make your medal out of salt dough, Fimo, play doh, clay or draw on paper and cut out.
Send us a photo of you wearing your medal.
Design and create a
celebration outfit.
Use the colours of the Union Jack (red, white and blue) to
design an outfit or costume to wear to a VE day party.
You could make this out of clothes you already have at
home, or design an outfit on paper (just like a fashion
designer).
Other ideas:• Every one is encouraged to undertake the ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of
WW2’ at 3pm on the 8th May, from the safety of their own home by standing up and raise a glass of refreshment of their choice and undertake the following ‘Toast’ – “To those who gave so much, we thank you,” using this unique opportunity to pay tribute to the many millions at home and abroad that gave so much to ensure we all enjoy and share the freedom we have today.
• You could take part in celebrations safely from home by joining your BBC Local Radio station initiative in making your own VE Day Great British Bunting. Download everything you need at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference
• Denyse Donnell is singing songs from the war era in her front garden in Ingatestone. She is available to watch on Facebook and on YouTube at 2pm on 8th May.
Reflection Time:Now you know a bit more about WWII and VE day, can you write a prayer, poem or a reflection about it.
Unfortunately, we live in a world where conflict and war still exist. As we think about the seventy-fifth anniversary of VE Day, we should stop and think about how we can remember people who fought in the war to bring about peace.
