Local people joined senior leaders of Swindon Borough Council at a special flag-raising ceremony on VE Day to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War today (8 May).
The event, which was followed by a street party, paid tribute to the soldiers and civilians who made the ultimate sacrifice during the war to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.
Alongside the ceremonial flag-raising, hymns were sung and speeches delivered from local dignitaries. Swindon Mayor, Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh, Leader of the Council, Councillor Jim Robbins, and the Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Samantha Mowbray, were joined by local Brownie and Scout groups who attended in full uniform.
As part of a week-long commitment to mark VE Day, on Bank Holiday Monday (5 May), the Mayor also attended a street party in Florence Street hosted by BBC Radio Wiltshire.
The event saw the Gorse Hill residents recreate a street party held 80 years earlier with BBC Radio Wiltshire organising a photograph to copy one that was taken 80 years ago.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Jim Robbins, said: “I am really grateful to all of the residents and colleagues who joined us today outside of the Civic Offices to mark this significant VE Day anniversary.
“It is important that we continue to acknowledge the sacrifices that helped secure the freedom we enjoy today. As we’ve seen throughout this week, their spirit continues to live on in Swindon.”
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article