Why 75th anniversary of VE Day was a salute to our nation's courage, then and now - the YEP says
It was hard not to feel moved as the nation came together to reflect on a seminal moment in our collective histories.
As we marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day in lockdown yesterday, the shadowy threat of coronavirus added to the poignancy of the commemorations.
It was set to be a day of celebration – of joining together with our families – instead the national rendition of We’ll Meet Again meant all the more.
As people across the country sang the anthem on their doorsteps, which epitomised the collective spirit of the wartime generation, it today has a very different but equally touching meaning.
Many of us have been parted from our families for more than six weeks as the lockdown continues.
And as the country waits to see what the Prime Minister’s road map for easing restrictions looks like tomorrow, the final word of the day went rightly to the Queen.
It was her second broadcast during the pandemic and her words of gratitude were the perfect tribute to saluting our nation’s courage.
Then and now.