Millions watched the TV coverage of the VE Day celebrations which included Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall laying wreaths at the cenotaph at Balmoral, accompanied only by a lone piper playing a lament – followed on television by very moving wartime footage.
Other celebrations, like our photo above, were equally quiet and reflective , and Rye’s mayor Councillor Mike Boyd laid a wreath at the war memorial behind St Mary’s at 11am and much later in the day the town crier made a special cry to mark the day – and both can be seen in the updated version of Rye News’ VE Day preview.
Throughout the day there was very poignant coverage of the original VE Day celebrations 75 years ago when peace was finally declared, as many couldn’t believe it had finally happened but, having realised it was true, the celebrations began in style.
Had it not been for lockdown this year there may well have been street parties across the country, but the occasion didn’t get overlooked locally. And there were limited street parties with residents not straying far from their front doors.
The residents of Rye pinned their colours to the mast, and there were flags flying and bunting in abundance – and the photos below, and in the gallery, were taken around the town during the day.
Elsewhere in the town there were many more outpourings of patriotism, particularly around Tilling Green which increased throughout the day as TV and radio coverage continued late into the evening. A much needed ray of sunshine in these dark days.
In amongst the wisteria the Union Jacks don’t look out of place.
Image Credits: Lisa Kerry , Nick Forman .
Nice to see the photographs of houses bedecked with commemorative flags, Nick. Wish I’d seen them with my own eyes.
Remembrance of WW2 is a worthy thing, especially when people reflect upon the context of that conflict, which was democracy’s existential battle, and a conflict which gave rise to postwar concepts of inalienable human rights. Nearly every family in Rye and beyond will have forebears who participated, and some of them will have made the ultimate sacrifice. Recalling what was at stake and weighing that against the nation’s sacrifices is important because it highlights the value society places upon democracy and human rights.
However, I think what we have to bear in mind as years pass by, is that threats to democracy and rights don’t always come goose-stepping conspicuously into view, heralded by martial music and ferocious rhetoric…