With just over two weeks until the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Clwyd West AM and Chair of the Assembly Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets, Darren Millar, said there is no time to waste in planning alternative ways to mark the occasion amid the Covid-19 pandemic and has urged the Welsh Government to give people as much notice as possible so they can prepare for the revised plans.
With all public events to mark the occasion cancelled, Darren recently wrote to the First Minister to ask what, in light of the Covid-19 crisis, the Welsh Government in now doing to ensure the occasion is not forgotten.
In his reply, Mark Drakeford said “the Welsh Government is working closely with the UK Government, the other Devolved Administrations and partners such as the Royal British Legion and Armed Services in Wales to ensure that our veterans who played a part in the Second World War – whether on the battle field or the home front are remembered and receive our thanks. These updated plans will be published shortly and will include information on how the nation can come together and celebrate from the safety of their homes.”
But Darren is concerned that with just over two weeks until the anniversary, the public have still not been aware of the plans and has therefore sent a further letter to the First Minister calling for him to reveal them imminently.
His letter states:
“With VE Day taking place on Friday 8th May, I am concerned, that with just over two weeks to go, that these new plans are yet to be published. If we are to truly honour our heroes from the Second World War at this difficult time then we need to give as much notice as possible to people to prepare for whatever plans are put in place.
“There are many ways that we can mark VE Day whilst still adhering to social distancing but they will need time to ensure that people across Wales are aware. Suggestions from those involved in the Cross Party Group on the Armed Forces and Cadets have included:
- Clap for our heroes, rather than a moment of silence;
- Encouraging people to have an afternoon tea or garden party at home (as a substitute for the street parties that we’ve seen before for other major occasions);
- Promoting participation in the Royal British Legion’s sing-a -long of Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime classic “We’ll meet again” (which perfectly sums up not only the thoughts of World War Two but the continuing Covid-19 restrictions);
- Encouraging people to post photos and stories of veterans online;
- Working with the media to ensure that they tell the Welsh stories associated with VE Day;
- RAF flyovers above population centres in North, South and Mid and West Wales which people can enjoy from home.
“As time is of the essence, I look forward to the new plans for marking VE Day to be published imminently, so that people can prepare and fully engage in a meaningful commemoration of this watershed in our history.”