It began with a service by the Royal British Legion and ended with the VE Day 80 beacon being lit on the beach as the 80th anniversary marking the end of WWII was celebrated in Weymouth.
The event took place on Thursday 8th May, coinciding with national beacon lighting events. Cllr Jon Orrell, Mayor of Weymouth, said: “We are honoured to be here with the Royal British Legion, our local community, and all those who have come together to mark this momentous day in history.
“On this day, 80 years ago, Europe celebrated the end of the Second World War. Victory in Europe marked the triumph of freedom and peace after years of hardship, sacrifice, and loss. It’s a day of remembrance for those who fought, those who died, and those who lived through the devastating effects of the war.
“VE Day wasn’t just a celebration of victory; it was also a moment when the entire nation came together in unity, and it’s that spirit of community and resilience that we honour tonight.”
He was joined by Cllr Joanna Dickenson, Weymouth Town Council’s Armed Forces Liaison, who recreated the scenes in Weymouth 80 years ago. She said: “As we gather here at the Jubilee Clock, it’s hard not to imagine what this very stretch of seafront looked like 80 years ago today.
The Mayor read out the VE Day national tribute before inviting the crowd to join a choir to sing I Vow to Thee, My Country as the beacon was lit.
The celebrations for VE Day 80 continue in Weymouth as Weymouth Town Council is putting on a free beach concert this Saturday 10th May, which starts at 1pm.
To read the full report of the beacon-lighting occasion, and view the timetable of Saturday’s entertainment, follow this link: weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/news/
Image courtesy Weymouth Town Council.