To mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day this month, SSAFA, the UK armed forces charity is offering free copies of a souvenir coffee-table book. VE Day 75 is published by the SJH Group. Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (PCPI) are a project partner of this official VE Day 75 commemorative album.
On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender meant the end of the 1939-45 war in Europe and scenes of celebration across the UK and around the world. The UK will once again mark this declaration of peace, while commemorating those who gave to achieve that victory.
Written by experts including the royal correspondent Robert Jobson, VE Day 75 tells the in-depth story of Victory in Europe Day. Featuring photographs from the day, the book documents the events of May 8, 1945, honours those involved and reflects on how this victory has affected British society – up to the present.
“It’s been an honour to document the tales of struggle and success behind the VE Day story,” says Robert Jobson.
Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, Chief Executive of SSAFA, says: “Dealing with COVID-19 is again testing the resolve of the nation, just as it was tested during the Second World War. While those on today’s frontline are different to 75 years ago, the population once more has pulled together to defeat a common enemy. As we celebrate VE Day 75, we should reflect on the values that allowed us to triumph against evil then, and which will help us deal with today’s threat – courage, selfless commitment and discipline.
“This could be the last time that we will be able to celebrate a major VE Day anniversary with those who lived during the conflict; we must learn from their victory, never forget their sacrifices and be proud of our nation today. That is their legacy.”
The weekend of May 8 to 10 will see SSAFA publicise the anniversary and the publication VE Day 75 through print, digital and broadcast media. CEO of the SJH Group, Richard Freed, says: “The VE Day book is a celebration of the generation that gave so much to provide us with the relative peace and prosperity that we’ve enjoyed over the past 75 years. Working with SSAFA has really brought home the extraordinary people and events that made victory in Europe possible. It’s been a real privilege to be part of these celebrations and to provide complimentary copies of VE Day 75 to the nation.”
To pre-order your free copy of this official SSAFA publication, paying only postage and packaging, visit: www.veday75.net.
On Bank Holiday, Friday, May 8, Mezzo Soprano Katherine Jenkins will perform on the Royal Albert Hall stage to an empty auditorium. The half-hour concert will be streamed to audiences, via YouTube at 6pm BST and is the first performance of the #RoyalAlbertHome series to come from the Hall. The Royal Albert Hall event, ‘VE Day 75’, originally due on May 8, is postponed to September 20.
