Rochdale marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with poignant services, honouring veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.
Commemorative services were held across the borough of Rochdale on Wednesday 8 May to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe (VE) Day brought the Second World War to a close in Europe.
Gatherings at Rochdale Cenotaph and Middleton Memorial Gardens saw veterans, armed forces personnel, civic leaders, local schoolchildren and members of the public pay tribute to those who fought for peace and freedom.
Among the guests was 102-year-old VE Day veteran Kenneth Wright from Newbold, who received warm applause before laying a wreath on behalf of the armed forces community. Kenneth served with the Suffolk Regiment and was part of the Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944, a turning point in the war which helped end Nazi control in western Europe.
Other wreaths were laid by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil Ahmed, council leader Neil Emmott, Rochdale MP Paul Waugh, and Heywood and North Middleton MP Elsie Blundell.
Councillor Janet Emsley, the council’s lead member for the armed forces, read a section from Sir Winston Churchill’s historic speech on the day peace was declared in Europe in 1945.
Speaking at the Rochdale service, Councillor Emsley said: “It was fitting and poignant that we came together at Rochdale Cenotaph, adjacent to the town hall, where thousands had gathered in the very same location 80 years ago to celebrate the joyous news that peace had broken out. The service did our borough proud and it was heartening to see so many generations, including the town’s last surviving VE Day veteran Kenneth Wright, present to pay their respects. Lest we forget.”
Paul Waugh MP added: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we pause to remember the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the generation who endured the hardships of war to secure peace and freedom for future generations. Laying a wreath at Rochdale Cenotaph is a solemn honour, and I did so on behalf of all those in our town who continue to hold their memory dear.”
Elsie Blundell MP said she was “proud” to attend the ceremonies in both Rochdale and Middleton. “That historic day in 1945 saw celebrations break out across our towns and villages and, 80 years on, it was lovely to see the borough once again coming together, with people of all ages commemorating the VE Day anniversary in such a moving way. We will always have a huge debt of gratitude to those who helped protect our liberty, freedoms and values.”
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