Thursday 7th May
Good day everyone. I hope you have had a lovely Thursday. How did you get on with the quiz? Did your grown-ups recognise some of the older films? Perhaps it bought back some memories for them.
Talking of memories, earlier in the week I mentioned the VE Day celebrations that will take place tomorrow. Are you going to be doing anything to celebrate? Your teachers have put together some great PowerPoints with lots of ideas for you to try - you will find them on the online learning section of the website.
VE Day - Victory in Europe Day - marks the day towards the end of World War II when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe came to an end.
On the 8th May 1945, the then Prime Minister - Winston Churchill - made an announcement on the radio at 3pm that the war in Europe had come to an end, following Germany’s surrender the day before. This was the day that millions had been waiting for. Can you imagine how emotional people would have felt?
For roughly six years, people had lived with the realities of war. Over a million people, many of them children, had been evacuated from towns and cities - separated from their family and friends. Those who stayed in the towns and cities, had endured bombing raids and many were injured or made homeless. All had to deal with the threat of gas attack, air raid precautions, rationing, changes at school and in their daily life. The population of Britain had learned to live with uncertainty and hardship.
Following Winston Churchill’s announcement, many people were extremely happy that the fighting had stopped and there were big celebrations and street parties. Lots of people dressed in red, white and blue - the colours found on the flag of Great Britain.
Huge crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace in London. They cheered as King George VI and his family came out onto the balcony to greet everybody. Princess Elizabeth (our current queen) and her sister, Princess Margaret, were even allowed to leave the palace and celebrate with the crowds, but they had to do this secretly to avoid being recognised.
Although VE Day bought great relief to many, it was also a moment of great sadness, as millions of people had lost their lives or loved ones in the conflict. VE Day did not mark the end of WW2 and many had to continue fighting in other battles, many soldiers, sailors and pilots were sent to the east to fight against the Japanese, who had not yet surrendered.
Winston Churchill himself said. ‘We many allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing, but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead.’
Do you know when WW2 did end? Maybe you could research this with a grown-up, or if you are in year six you should know it already as this is something that you have learnt about in school.
It is important that we celebrate VE day, as it commemorates the many people who lost their lives in battle to protect the way that we live our lives today. With lockdown still in effect, this year’s celebrations will be held at home. We would love to hear about your celebrations, send US an email to: children@olive.dudley.sch.uk
My aunty was born on VE Day, she will be 75 tomorrow. I know that she reads this blog - Happy Birthday Aunty Hilda!
We are expecting Boris Johnson to make an announcement on Sunday about the possible reopening of schools to some groups of children, we do not know any more details. We will continue to follow government guidance and we will let you know how we plan to introduce any changes.
Enjoy your three-day weekend all. We miss you like crazy!
Stay safe