Submitted
VE Day 75 recognizes 75 years since the formal acceptance by the allied nations, of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. German military leaders signed the surrender documents in Europe at 3 p.m. on May 8, 1945, and victory was declared. The surrender prompted mass celebrations around the world, including Canada.
Long planned world wide commemorative celebrations that include military and non-military parades, church services, pageants, parades etc. had to be curtailed this special 75th anniversary due to the Covid 19 virus. Nations across the world had been invited by the 75th Anniversary Organizing Committee in Britain to toast the heroes of the Second World War. Included in this invitation were thousands of pipers and pipebands from all nations. They were asked to play Battle’s O’er, a traditional tune performed on bagpipes at the end of hostilities, and VE Day 75, a piece especially composed to mark this historic milestone.
Battleford Legion No. 9 Pipes and Drums, along with members of Battleford Legion No. 9 had planned to recognize the 75th Anniversary of VE Day with a short ceremony at 3 p.m,. on May 8 at the Battleford Cenotaph. Instead, pipers across the world, including some individual pipers from the Battleford Legion Pipes and Drums picked up their pipes, while observing social distancing on April 8 Each piper played around about the Battlefords in honour of “those who gave so much.”
Bruno Peek OBE- 2020 British World VE Day 75 official organizer stated “It’s not appropriate to have a party during this time, but it’s still important to recognize it and commemorate those who gave so much”
