The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
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The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) has launched an online Wall of Remembrance to pay tribute to those who served in the World Wars, to encourage the public to make their own VE Day tribute from their homes.
On 8 May 1945, Nazi Germany formally surrendered, ending the Second World War in Europe. The British people had been at war for 2075 days. They had endured bombing and the loss of loved ones, but through adversity and hardship they survived. The darkest days were now firmly behind them, and people took to the streets to celebrate.
Today marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, better known as VE Day. Across the country many will be celebrating this victory, honouring the moment the most destructive conflict in European history finally came to an end. Throughout the celebrations however, it is important to remember those who gave their lives to bring about the end of the war and the defeat of Nazism. The CWGC works to ensure that those who served and died during the Second World War are never forgotten. Millions of people from communities across the Commonwealth and the world served in the British armed forces during the Second World War, and hundreds of thousands gave their lives serving on land, at sea, and in the air. Across Plymouth, over 28,000 men and women, Commonwealth casualties from World War One and Two, are commemorated in cemeteries, churchyards and on Plymouth Hoe’s naval memorial. Each of these casualties is memorialised and cared for by the CWGC.
“At this dark time, we want to give people a way to honour those brave men and women who gave their lives in the second World War, creating this virtual Wall of Remembrance, so they can take part in VE Day. Whether it is a simple thank you, a picture or a few lines of text, we want to collect as many tributes as possible. Despite trying circumstances, we will ensure that these men and women are remembered in perpetuity.”
Victoria Wallace, Director General for the CWGC
Alongside the online Wall of Remembrance the CWGC has launched a new podcast series “The 1.7 Million Stories of CWGC”, exploring some of the stories of those who lost their lives, the history of the wars and how the CWGC is still doing its work today
Plymouth History Festival 