80

Eighty years ago today, Great Britain and presumably other countries who had fought against Hitler and the Nazi menace celebrated the first "V.E." Day - Victory in Europe. By all accounts, there was a wild nationwide party. Pubs stayed open late and young Princess Elizabeth and her sister Margaret mingled with the happy crowds that thronged the streets of London.

My own parents did not witness this special day for they were both still serving with the Royal Air Force in India and "V.J." Day - Victory over Japan did not happen until August 15th, 1945. Even so, they heard about V.E. Day and knew that it marked the beginning of the end of World War II.

I know they cannot hear me but I want to send out a personal message to all the young Britons who sacrificed their lives for the future of our country. We lost  383,700 military personnel - my Uncle Jack included - and a further 67,100 citizens lost their lives in Nazi bombing raids.

To those who died, I say thank you and thank you again. That is my simple and heartfelt message. I for one will  never forget. They were the best of us and we owe it to them to continue striving for peace as the decades flick by.

from Yorkshire Pudding https://ift.tt/NM1m7kX