North East Lincolnshire is making arrangements to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. The region is preparing a myriad of events to honour the sacrifices made during the Second World War. Ceremonies and gatherings are planned across various towns and villages, with Cleethorpes set to raise flags using recently installed secure pole fixings.
May 8, 1945, marked the end of the war in Europe. This moment brought relief to the fatigued resident of Grimsby, as trawlers and ships honked their horns in the Docks to signal the end. Despite this, people from the area continued their engagement in the Japanese conflict until September that year. This historic event was celebrated by the community through parades, speeches, and numerous street parties where neighbours gathered, using their ration books to enjoy a communal feast.
In Cleethorpes, The Knoll’s Armed Forces Team headquarters will be providing breakfasts from 9.30am at Blighty’s cafe, in the company of a display of Second World War vehicles. To accommodate the day’s events, the car park on Sea View Street will be closed. Veterans’ social clubs on Alexandra Road will also join the celebration by hosting a 1940s-themed event and encouraging people to wear period clothes.
Chris Shaw of the Armed Forces Team expressed the significance of holding celebrations on the actual day. He said, “It’s a free event. The flags will be up, the clubs open in the afternoon, and Blighty’s available all day.” Concurrently, Armed Forces Champion Alex Baxter revealed plans for a ceremony at The Remembrance Gate at 11am to pay tribute to the casualties of war.
Baxter also outlined plans for the Armed Forces Weekend scheduled from June 27 to 29, including a Carnival Parade featuring 120 individuals and a Military Parade on Saturday morning. Meridian Park will present 25 military vehicles such as armoured trucks and battle tanks, a Red Arrows Display at 12.30pm and a big wheel close to Cleethorpes leisure centre.
This story was originally reported by www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk and has been republished by The Lincoln Post with additional commentary.
