VE Day 75 – Let’s not forget, and celebrate at home!

A few years ago, plans were put in place for this really important occasion they even moved the Bank Holiday to the Friday instead of the Monday. The lockdown has changed things,  but there are still plenty of ways to mark the occasion with your family at home. Hopefully this will give you a few ideas of what you can do at home.

What is VE Day?

VE Day – or ‘Victory in Europe Day’ – marks the day towards the end of World War Two (WW2) when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end.

On 8 May 1945, after 6 years of war, Prime Minister Winston Churchill made an announcement on the radio at 3pm that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany’s surrender the day before.

 

How can we celebrate at home?

The lockdown means we need to stay home, so the stay ay home VE Day street party was born, in that people can still celebrate VE day with their neighbours and still observe social distancing guidelines. Organisers are encouraging the public to decorate the outside of their homes in red, white and blue, you don’t have to have flags and you can make your own bunting.  This way, neighbours can enjoy the visual spectacle of national pride from their windows.

Here are some links to help you with the decorating.

BBC Bunting

The BEST bunting for the kids to work on here

These Free Printable VE Day Decorations are just what you need to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. We might not be able to have the street parties as planned, but we can still celebrate at home or in the garden!

Get the kids baking

We can’t have a street party but we can sit in our front gardens, on our balconies or in house, that way we are socially distancing.  Let’s bake fairy cakes with the kids or a Victoria sponge. Get the kids decorating I’m sure they will love to help.

Teach the children about VE Day?

If the children had been they would have had a whole week of celebrations and learning, there are lot’s of resources out there to help with teaching them.  Make it part of your week leading up to Friday’s celebrations.

The BBC have a lovely video for the kids, and will teach them all about VE Day.  You can watch it here.

One of the best places to find incredible teaching resources is the Royal British Legion

Hopefully this blog gives you plenty of ideas and things to do. Have a great time on Friday with your celebrations, stay home and stay safe.

Tracy.