This week we commemorate 75 years since VE Day marked the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The announcement of Germany’s surrender on May 8, 1945 brought millions on to the streets in celebration.
There were parties, parades and concerts. The Prime Minister Winston Churchill was carried aloft down Whitehall by cheering crowds.
It won’t be like that on this May 8 – Friday. This time the nation will be in lockdown, fighting a different enemy.
The coronavirus is testing the country’s resilience as it has been tested before.
As we remember those who gave their lives in a struggle to ensure our freedom from tyranny, our thoughts turn to those who now have given, and still risk, their lives so that we may live free from the tyranny of disease.
As Churchill said in those different times: “To those have given so much, we thank you.”
It is the spirit of that day in 1945 that spans the generations and gives hope today that we will, as they did, see it through.
Resilience
VE Day marks the end of a struggle in which the nation’s spirit was tested to the limit.
There were setbacks – major ones – horrific mistakes, many, many doubts along the way.
So it is with coronavirus.
The UK has recorded one of the highest death tolls from Covid-19 in the developed world. The delay in recognising the plight of those in care homes is unforgivable.
We have had one of the lowest testing rates. Despite the Government’s questionable boast of having reached 100,000 a day, we are still far short of what is need to provide an exit route from lockdown.
Frontline health workers still face a shameful lack of protective equipment and too many have died.
By contrast, lockdown has proved a success in stemming the virus, thanks to the resilience of our people.
So as we recall We’ll Meet Again on Friday we can be sure the national spirit is up to the task. As in 1945, the United Kingdom will emerge from this crisis a changed country.
We hope, as then, it will be a better one.
