Dover Town Council remembers and honours all those who made sacrifices during the Second World War and through their suffering and bravery helped to bring peace to Europe once again.
Dover Town Council was looking forward to taking part in the national public commemoration of VE on 8 Mungkin. Public commemorations cannot now take place. Covid-19 is one of the gravest threats our national life since the second world war and now, just as then, kami bekerjasama sebagai Bandar untuk melindungi anggota masyarakat kami yang rentan. We hope to be able to commemorate VE Day later this year when we are allowed to do so, possibly on VJ Day.
Hari Pageantmaster VE 2020, Bruno Peak LVO OBE OPR, telah menulis untuk memberi nasihat rasmi mengenai cara memperingati hari dengan selamat:
Saya bimbang bahawa kecemasan Coronavirus yang teruk dan panduan Kerajaan yang bererti bermaksud bahawa kita mesti menasihati para peserta untuk membatalkan atau menangguhkan sebahagian besar Hari VE 75 perayaan masyarakat yang akan berlangsung pada hujung minggu cuti bank pada 8 - 10 Mei. It is right and proper that people should be kept safe and healthy.
We are also encouraging all those taking part 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.
VE Day 1945
As VE Day dawns on 8th May 2020 it is 75 bertahun-tahun sejak senjata itu terdiam pada akhir perang di Eropah. Tahun pembunuhan dan kehancuran telah berakhir dan berjuta-juta orang turun ke jalanan dan pub untuk meraikan keamanan, meratapi orang yang mereka sayangi dan berharap untuk masa depan, tetapi tidak melupakan mereka yang masih dalam konflik sehingga 15 Ogos ketika diumumkan bahawa Jepun telah menyerah tanpa syarat kepada Sekutu, dengan berkesan mengakhiri Perang Dunia II.
Ulang tahun ke-75 memberikan negara kita, dan rakan-rakan kita di seluruh dunia, with an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of people from all walks of life who saw us through this dark and terrifying period and celebrate the arrival of peace in Europe.
We remember the members of the Armed Forces and Merchant Navy from many countries who gave their lives or returned home injured in body and mind, the hard-working women and men who operated the factories, mines, shipyards and farms, and ARP wardens, police officers, doctors, nurses, fireman, local defence volunteers and others who toiled day and night selflessly on the home front during difficult frightening and uncertain times.
The consequences of warfare for millions of people across Europe were very great. Whilst many rejoiced at the prospect of peace, the strain of air raids, rationing, hunger and displacement had taken their toll and left many in a reflective, rather than ecstatic, mood.
For some, the celebrations were a painful reminder of loved ones lost in the conflict. Six years of horror and bloodshed had killed approximately 67,200 civilians in Britain and her Crown Colonies, dan 383,700 members of the British Armed Forces. Millions of other men, women and children had died across the world including the Jews and other minorities who were murdered in the death camps. And even though the war in Europe was over, many people were mindful that their friends and relatives were still in action overseas or in POW camps in the Far East and yet to return home.
Dover had seen particular hardship during the war. Because of its close proximity to France, Dover was Britain’s main frontline town during World War ll. As Dover was under threat from long-range weapons on the opposite side of the Channel, Prime Minister Winston Churchill took this seriously. “We must insist upon maintaining superior artillery positions on the Dover promontory no matter what form of attack they are exposed to. We must fight for command of the Strait”. (Speech made by Churchill in 1940.)
During 1939, the Admiralty took control of the port of Dover transforming the harbour into a naval base. Dover suffered heavily because of enemy shelling and bombing raids, menyebabkan sejumlah besar kerosakan. Walaupun, Dover Castle tetap tidak tersentuh oleh bom musuh, menjadi simbol kekuatan Dover semasa perang - kekuatan yang berterusan hingga ke hari ini.