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10th Nov 2004 - A series of National events to mark the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War was announced today by Ivor Caplin, Minister for Veterans. Her Majesty the Queen will lead the events taking place in London on 10th July 2005.
Presenting the programme, Ivor Caplin, Minister for Veterans, said:
“We have put together a range of events that will enable veterans and younger generations to remember the Second World War and the resolute spirit of those who coped so admirably with incredible hardship at home and overseas.
“The first Veterans’ Awareness Week will lead up to a national day of remembrance and commemoration focused on the 60th Anniversary of Second World War. Major Cities and towns are holding their own events around the United Kingdom. I hope that the programme we have put together will inspire people to organise their own commemorations at local level.”
National Commemorations on 10th July begin with a service of thanksgiving and commemoration in Westminster Abbey, which will be attended by about 2000 people. Following the Service, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will host a Veterans’ lunch in the grounds of Buckingham Palace for another 2000 people, most of whom will be veterans.
In the afternoon an event of reminiscence and remembrance will take place on Horse Guards Parade. Made up of several elements, it will begin with a unique evocation of the period, using entertainment to take veterans back in time. The focus then moves into a period of remembrance encompassing a two minute silence. A tri-service military orchestra and a 200 strong Bach Choir will enhance the occasion that culminates in a the Veterans’ Standards being marched off.
A procession of Veterans’ Standards and Banners will move down the Mall to Buckingham Palace led by a marching band formed from the three Services. The Queen will watch a fly past of Second World War vintage aircraft from the Palace Balcony. A poppy drop from a Lancaster Bomber will bring the day to a close.
Entrance to the religious service, the lunch and Horse Guards event are by invitation only. The majority of the tickets are being allocated to members of Service and Home Front Veterans’ organisations. All tickets will be double tickets so veterans can be accompanied by a companion; this might be a carer, family member, friend, or another Veteran. Some tickets will also be made available to people who lived through the War, but are not members of any established service or non service organisation.
The planning of Commemorative activities is at an early stage. Simultaneous events will take place in Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast and elsewhere in the country. The 60th Anniversary logo is available free of charge to anyone organising commemorative events. The Big Lottery Fund Home Front Recall scheme grants are available for projects commemorating the events of the Second World War.
In the week leading up to 10th July, there will be a number of events that will encompass the 60th Anniversary Commemorations and Veterans Awareness Week. In London this will include a ‘living museum’ in St James’ Park comprising a number of freestanding exhibits and re-enactments, and an evening show of Second World War images projected onto the front of Buckingham Palace. A Veterans’ Centre will be built in St James’ Park with seating, catering, and first aid facilities.
A monument to the women who served their country during the Second World War will be unveiled in Whitehall on Saturday 9th July by HM The Queen.
An Image of Remembrance has been created for use on official promotional material. It features a Veteran, Frank Kettle (80), and Samantha Moore (20) (to represent today’s youth) reflecting on the events of 60 years ago.
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Notes to Editors
1. VE and VJ Days themselves will be marked by wreath laying ceremonies on 8th May and 21st August 2005 respectively (note that actual VJ Day is 15th August, but this date has been agreed with the Burma Star Association at their request). As there will be just one day for the Commemoration, it was decided that it should be on Sunday 10 July 2005, roughly mid-way between the VE and VJ Day Anniversaries. The date of the 60th Anniversary Commemorations was announced to the House of Commons by the Veteran’s Minister on 1st March 2004, while the Ceremonies to mark the individual days was announced on 29th September.
2. Some members of the Government will attend all three events. London based representatives of foreign governments will be invited to the Horse Guards event.
3. The 60th Anniversary website www.mod.uk/ww2 will provide veterans with information about events being organised around the country
4. The 60th Anniversary Logo is available free of charge for use by any organisation arranging commemorative events. It is available in full colour and in an equally effective black and white format. The logo has been designed to be used on stationery, promotional material and memorabilia. Commercial use must be approved by the 60th Anniversary Commemorations Team.
5. The Big Lottery Fund is making grants available for Second World War commemorative events under its Home Front Recall scheme. Details are available on the Big Lottery Fund’s website www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
6. All enquiries from Veterans and their families should go to the Veterans’ Agency Helpline – 0800 1692277.
7. All Enquiries from members of the public should go to the MOD Public Enquiry Office number – 0870 607 4455.
8. Press enquiries should go to MOD Press Office Clive Bull on 020 7218 7954, Rachel Yeomans on 020 7218 5083, or Jonathan Turner on 020 7218 0403.
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