VE Day 2020
My fellow Comrades, as we remember and celebrate VE Day, we
celebrate the end of World War II in Europe with Germany. This day is
celebrated on the 8th Day of May, the day in 1945 when Nazi Germany
surrendered unconditionally to Allied forces. The initial surrender took place
on 7 May, at SHAEF HQs, in Reims, but the definitive Instrument of Surrender
was signed on the 8th of May in Karlshorst, Berlin. Upon the
announcement of the surrender of Germany, there was wide spread celebration
throughout the Western world, but especially in the UK and North America.
This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the end
of WWII and because of the current health crisis with the COVID 19 Pandemic,
festivities were more subdued. One of the more striking moments of remembrance
came from Queen Elizabeth, who during her speech to the British people, used
the words "Never Despair”. This speech was an opportunity for her to not only
address the remembrance of VE Day, but also a challenge to her country in its
struggle to cope with the ongoing battle against COVID 19. Her words were
reminiscent of Winston Churchill during his famous radio broadcast to the
English people during the Battle of Britton, when he challenged them to "Never
Surrender, never give up”.
As we continue to
battle this Pandemic, I challenge each of you to stay vigilant, take
appropriate precautions, and encourage each other. You can rest assured that
the officers of the Rocket Post are doing everything they can to continue to
serve you to the best of our ability, while taking whatever measures are
necessary to protect our members, their families, and guests.
Respectfully,
Mark Kelley
Commander
VFW "Rocket” Post 4534