Members of the Academy of Football came together remotely this morning to celebrate Victory in Europe Day on its 75th anniversary.
The Academy have been working in conjunction with a charity called ‘Big Ideas’ who create and support community projects with the aim of bringing people together on a local, national and global level.
Prior to the Covid-19 outbreak the charity had planned a large number of events aiming to remember and celebrate the occasion however many of these are no longer able to go ahead.
“It is extremely important for our young players to remember this occasion as many men and women made huge sacrifices so that we may live in freedom. It is important to remember the soldiers that lost their lives or returned home suffering from injured body or mind.”
Oli Lethbridge
In the absence of these events the charity got in contact with the Academy of Football and asked whether they’d be happy to support their celebrations through posters, poetry and videos – like the one above!
Academy Head of Education Oli Lethbridge spoke of the importance of commemorating such events.
“Today (Friday 8th May) marks 75 years since VE Day took place when fighting against Nazi Germany came to an end.” he said. “The 8th May 1945 was a day that millions of people had been waiting for and as a result, there were big celebrations and street parties. “
“It is extremely important for our young players to remember this occasion as many men and women made huge sacrifices so that we may live in freedom. It is important to remember the soldiers that lost their lives or returned home suffering from injured body or mind.”
“It’s also important to remember the hardworking men and women who selflessly supported this country by undertaking important roles. I think there are some similarities between the sacrifices that people made 75 years ago and the current lockdown that we are facing; in which sacrifices are being made in order to save people’s lives.”
West Ham supporters who may wish to get involved in the VE Day celebrations can do so by taking part in a ‘stay at home’ street party. The commemoration of VE Day begins at 11am in where people are being encouraged to observe a two-minute silence on their doorstep.
In the afternoon the BBC will be showing Winston Churchill’s speech at 3pm and finally, a nationwide sing-along to ‘We’ll Meet Again’ will be held at 9pm. This will be hosted by the Royal British Legion and will follow the Queen’s address.
