Thought For the Day – Wednesday 7th May 2025
“Laughter And Then Some Tears”
Last evening, 98 U.K. landmarks, like the Palace of Westminster pictured in the second picture above, were illuminated in the colours of red, white and blue.
This display was in preparation for the 80th anniversary of “Victory In Europe” or “V.E. Day” tomorrow.
The wonderful “Poppy Instillation”, first exhibited in 2014, to remember 100 years since the commencement of the First World War, returned, in another form, with 30,000 poppies, to the Tower of London yesterday to commemorate V.E. Day, the end of the Second World War, and the defeat of Nazism, in Europe. The artistic design for this beautiful creation is shown in the first picture above.
Today, the 7th May, is also significant for it marks 80 years to the day since, with the Nazis defeated in Europe, Germany signed the unconditional surrender in Reims in France.
Later in the evening, 80 years ago tonight, the BBC interrupted its usual programming with an historic radio announcement. The announcement proclaimed that the 8th May, the following day, would be V.E. Day. The announcement said there would be a national holiday.
Notice had been served. The war, in Europe, was over. Let the party begin.
The Second World War in the U.K., and around the world, affected all greatly, including students. As all conflict and war does. Families suffered bereavement, death, injury, loss, separation and trauma. Students still went to school, but often had to take shelter. Food and supplies were rationed for six long years. Everyone had to play their vital part. In the evening, the country was often plunged into darkness, for safety, to the extent to which some young people did not even know what a light was.
Resilience beyond words was shown by all. We continue to be so very grateful to “The Wartime Generation”. We enjoy the freedoms they sacrificed everything for.
In Bishop’s Stortford on this day 80 years ago, the following happened, as reported in “The Hertfordshire and Essex Observer” of 12th May 1945:
“The way in which Bishop’s Stortford received and celebrated the news of the unconditional surrender of the Nazis and cessation of war in Europe was typical of the spirit of an English country town as anything could be. There may not have been the cheering, singing and dancing in the streets that might have been anticipated, but there was something else even more eloquent of the joy that was in people’s hearts after the long years of suffering and anxiety. Everyone had a smiling face and a cheery greeting for friends and acquaintances. On Monday (7th May 1945), Bishop’s Stortford began to prepare for the long awaited V. E. Day. Flags appeared at the windows of shops, offices and houses. And soon the streets took on a colourful air reminiscent of Coronation time.”
More from this interesting article will be sent tomorrow, as we learn what happened in Bishop’s Stortford on the historic day of 8th May 1945.
But, as Alice, who was alive in the U.K. at the time, messaged “Good Morning Britain” on ITV1 this morning, reflected, in her quote below, it was a very emotional time, as people reflected on those who did not return to their earthly home:
“It was such a revelation. We just broke into laughter and then some tears”.
