For people wishing to commemorate this Friday - The Royal British Legion are organising remote activity for people to celebrate VE Day 75 commemorations and participate from home.

This includes a VE Day 75 livestream, national moments of Remembrance and thanksgiving and a learning pack for young people (more details on timings and activities below).

The Legion is inviting all its partners to join together in encouraging people of all generations and communities to take part in the activities on 8th May and pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the entire Second World War generation. And, while the two minutes silence will allow us to reflect and remember the sacrifice made, VE75 is also about celebrating the bringing together of communities.

The British Legion would love to see communities getting involved (while observing Government Guidelines on Covid-19) and have suggested a number of ways to participate such as holding a street party with everyone in their own homes, or baking cakes, or getting the kids to make some bunting to string out. The Legion would like partners and communities to share their stories, pictures or events with us by tagging them on Twitter (@RBL_gmandlancs and @poppylegion).

Royal British Legion Schedule

11:00 - 11:02 – Two Minute Silence

11:15 - 12:00 – The Royal British Legion VE75 Livestream

20:00 - 21:10 – VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration, BBC One

21:00 – ‘We’ll Meet Again’ Singalong (also on the BBC)

Activities in detail:

Two Minute Silence

The Legion is calling on people to join in a national moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11am on Friday 8th May and pause for a Two Minute Silence, not only in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, but also to reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.

People are invited to take part in the Silence in whatever way they feel appropriate be that standing at their window, stepping outside their home, whilst remaining distanced from others, or taking the opportunity for a quiet moment of reflection. To build momentum towards this important moment, please share this with your communities and encourage everyone to come together in Remembrance at 11am.

The Royal British Legion Livestream

Following the Silence the Legion is hosting a VE Day livestream, sharing stories and memories from those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War. The Legion is inviting people to grab a cup of tea and join us for the livestream as we bring the World War Two generation together with today’s generation to chat about their experiences.

Hosted by TV presenter Sonali Shah, the programme will feature contributions from social historian Julie Summers and cook and influencer Melissa Helmsley. The stream will be live from 11.15am on the Legion’s website rbl.org.uk/veday75.

VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration BBC ONE: 20:00 – 21:10

To mark the 75th anniversary of VE day, in these unprecedented times, the BBC in partnership with The Royal British Legion will honour and celebrate the World War Two Generation with an evening of memories and music. Featuring some of those who remember this historic day, together with Britain’s favourite performers who will entertain us with popular songs of the era. In a fitting finale at 9.00 pm we will see the nation unite for a very special rendition of “We’ll Meet Again” as we all give thanks to our veterans and remember our loved ones.

‘We’ll Meet Again’ Singalong – will be on the BBC but if you want to print out the words and get out front:

Lyrics available on The Royal British Legion website https://www.rbl.org.uk/stories/ve-day-singalong

VE Day 75 Learning Pack

Designed for 7-14 year olds the learning pack includes first-hand accounts from the Second World War generation, veteran interviews and a range of activities to allow families to explore and commemorate VE Day 75 together. People can follow the activity on social media using #VEDay75 and #VEDay75Live during the livestream.