Stuart Anderson, the Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South West, is calling for a minute’s silence followed by a round of applause after a constituent who is himself a veteran got in touch to make the request.
On 8 May, it will be seventy-five years since the Second World ended. The day was celebrated around the country. It marked the end of a national effort which saw millions make the final sacrifice for their country.
Victory in Europe Day, w more commonly known as VE Day, celebrates the formal acceptance by the Second World War’s Allied Forces of Germany's unconditional surrender on 8 May 1945. The occasion also offers an opportunity to remember the contribution of British, Commonwealth and Allied armed forces personnel, and all those who served on the Home Front through a variety of voluntary organisations.
This year, 8 May has been designated as a bank holiday to commemorate the occasion. It would have also played host to a wide range of street parties and other kinds of social gatherings, which have now had to be cancelled or rearranged due to the outbreak of Coronavirus across the country, especially in the West Midlands.
A veteran himself, Stuart Anderson MP commends the constituent, Korean War veteran Fred Bunce, who alongside fellow veteran Lyndon Purnell raised the request for a minute’s silence followed by a one-minute clap to take place in Wolverhampton South West.
The plan is for one minutes’ silence followed by one-minute clap to take place in homes and other residential settings across the constituency at 11:00 am on 8 May to mark the anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.
Speaking about the initiative, Stuart Anderson MP said: “Unfortunately many street parties and other social gatherings scheduled to celebrate VE day have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. I commend my constituents call for a minute’s silence followed by a round of applause to take place in homes and other residential settings across the constituency. This is to honour the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country and all those involved in wars and conflicts past. I hope that other places will follow our lead in taking steps to ensure that this significant moment in British history is still remembered.
“As well as marking the Allies’ victory in 1945, the bank holiday will also serve as an opportunity to pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in the UK Armed Forces and their families. The Armed Forces are playing a significant role in the national effort to tackle Coronavirus. It is only right we remember them.”
Fred Bunce, who is a Korean War veteran and continues to serve his community with the Royal British Legion as Chairman of the Wolverhampton Central branch, said: “VE Day 2020 was going to be a great day for everyone concerned in the City of Wolverhampton. This was the 75th anniversary of VE day and we had proposed and were getting ready for a big celebration in the City at the Cenotaph where we would stand and remember all those who gave their lives in the Second World War.
“We would also remember all those who returned home, including prisoners of war returning home hoping to make a new life. But many of them were not able to do so because of what they had done, what they had seen, and what they had endured during those years of war.
“We hope that, as veterans in the City, you would join us to remember all those that died during the conflict. Please join us in this remembrance on the day from your homes.”
“Our president Mr Lyndon Purnell suggested the round of applause to me after I suggested the minutes’ silence.”