Clwyd West AM and Chair of the Assembly Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets, Darren Millar, has called on the Welsh Government to assure that the 75th Anniversary of VE Day in May is not forgotten in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic.
A number of local, regional and national events were in the process of being organised to mark the end of hostilities in Europe at the tail end of the Second World War, but these have now had to be cancelled as the county deals with the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, Darren said it is vital that this special anniversary is still marked in some way and has written to the First Minister, Mark Drakeford AM, to ask what plans the Welsh Government has in place to ensure the anniversary is commemorated.
He said:
“The Covid-19 crisis has forced many events for many occasions to be cancelled, but I find it particularly poignant that all the events that were set to take place to mark this momentous 75th anniversary of VE Day can no longer go ahead.
“Given the importance of this anniversary, I have written to the First Minister to find out what plans the Welsh Government now has to mark this occasion in order that it isn’t forgotten in the midst of the crisis that is currently upon us”.
Darren’s email to Mark Drakeford states:
“I appreciate that there are pressing issues in your inbox at this time, but this is an watershed in Welsh history which we must mark, both for those who are still amongst us who helped in the national effort to secure the victory, and as a tribute to those many lives which were lost in the process.
“Marking VE Day will also provide a much needed tonic and inspiration for the nation during the difficult months ahead as we once again face a national enemy which must be defeated”.
Darren also told the First Minister that he is happy to assist in any way.