Plea for VE Day to be commemorated from home

Scotland’s veterans minister is urging us to celebrate VE Day by joining in online commemorations and not holding events in person.

The country will come together to mark the 75th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s surrender on Friday.

Events will take place virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic and Graeme Dey has reminded Scots they should not be gathering in person in groups due to current social distancing rules.

Mr Dey said plans are progressing to reschedule the parade, concert and church service initially due to go ahead in Edinburgh, but he could not say when they might take place.

He said: “Please, everyone, mark the occasion by tuning into the virtual events.

“We don't want people trying to hold events in person, war memorials or anything of that nature.

“The advice is quite clear about not gathering in groups and making unnecessary journeys - Legion Scotland have been very clear about their expectations.

“I understand the temptation, but please watch this online, commemorate it in that way, and we will have another opportunity at some future date to do what we had originally intended.”

In an email update sent by Legion Scotland earlier this week, the charity stressed Mr Dey's point.

The charity said: “We must stress that it is imperative at this time to ensure everyone remains safe and is not leaving home for non-essential travel to memorials or other locations to mark VE Day.

“We know so many of our members were to be involved in local events to mark this momentous commemoration and there will be a temptation to bring even small gatherings together.

“Whilst we have a responsibility as the custodians of remembrance to ensure we mark key commemorations, it is vital we observe the current restrictions in place and lead by example without encouraging or supporting any activity that contravenes lockdown restrictions.”

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