Oakham marks the 80th Anniversary of VE Day with flag raising ceremony
A crowd of military personnel, veterans, representatives from local organisations and residents gathered at Oakham Castle to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day.
On 8th May 1945, World War Two ended in Europe and 80 years later, Oakham reflected on those who made sacrifices in the war effort, as well as those who lost their lives.
The service and flag raising ceremony was attended by personnel and veterans from Kendrew Barracks, the 1st Military Working Dog Regiment, the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Mayor of Oakham, as well as representatives from Oakham Town Council, Rutland County Council and the local emergency services.
The ceremony opened with the proclamation read by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Sarah Furness. In her speech, she thanked the veterans in attendance for their service, as well as those who worked in the land-army, comms, munitions, farming and those who gave their lives that are remembered on the county's war memorials.
The Lord-Lieutenant's speech was followed by the official flag raising, which you can watch the video of here.
The Mayor of Oakham Paul Ainsley then gave a speech, wishing for peace and prosperity at home and across the world. Then the first verse of the national anthem was sung.
The service was closed with prayers reflecting on the war, and looking to the future.
The occasion will continue to be marked in Oakham this evening, with a beacon lighting ceremony in Cutts Close Park at 9.30pm. The beacon will be lit in sequence with hundreds of beacons across the country. Attendees are invited to arrive to the beacon lighting early for performances by Oakham School and Rutland Morris. There will also be a fish and chip van and other entertainment.
-----------------------------------------
READ MORE: Rutland County Museum marks VE Day with special exhibition to commemorate 80th Anniversary
Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Oakham Nub News is a quality online newspaper for Oakham and Rutland.
Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE- just click the 'SIGN UP' button.
Please consider following Oakham Nub News on Facebook and Twitter.
Share:
