Churches across the land are being asked to play their part in a series of national and international events to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, which will take place over the weekend of May 8, 9 and 10, 2020.

On Friday, May 8, 2020, at 7pm, churches will be encouraged to Ring out for Peace.  In association with the Central Council of Bellringers, bells in churches and cathedrals will be encouraged to ring out in a collective celebration of VE Day 75.

Great soundtrack

Pageantmaster for VE Day 75, Bruno Peek, said: “The sound of church bells is deeply rooted in British culture. They provide the grand soundtrack to our historic moments, calling us to wake, to pray, to work, to arms, to feast, to celebrate and, in times of crisis, to come together.

“This aspect of VE Day 75 could not be more appropriate, ringing out around the world to celebrate the peace we share today. We do hope that you will take part and register your involvement on the VE Day 75 website – www.veday75.orgto enable us to keep intouch with you as well as being able to inform the media of your involvement nearer the time.”

Services

On Sunday, May 10, churches and cathedrals throughout the land are being encouraged to  organise services of celebration and commemoration at 10.30am, both to celebrate today’s peace and remember those who lost their lives or returned home dreadfully wounded.

The services will also recognise the sacrifices of those women and others who kept the nation fed and the factories, mines and hospitals working during the most challenging of times.

Last Post and Reveille

Churches wishing to take part should register their involvement at the VE day 75 website –www.veday75.org to enable the organisers to keep in touch with them and inform the media of their involvement nrearer the time.

Those planning services will be encouraged to ask a representative from their local community to read out the Tribute to the Millions, which can be downloaded at www.veday75.org, and involve a local bugler or trumpeter toplay the Last Post and Reveille. Again, their participation can also be registered on the VE Day 75 website.