NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF NEWMARKET
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Today marks the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, the unconditional surrender of Germany to the Allied Forces in 1945, a week after Hitler’s death, and thus ending the Second World War in Europe. WWII in Asia did not end until Sept. 2, 1945 with the surrender of Japan.
On this day 75 years ago, exhausted war nations expressed elation and relief at the news and celebrated with joyful street parties.
Among the first Canadians to celebrate were the sailors on naval and merchant ships on the Atlantic and soldiers and airman based in Europe.
At home in Canada and across allied nations, large crowds filled the streets. There were parades, concerts, tickertape dropped from the sky by aircraft, and spontaneous conga lines, singing and dancing. Schools, offices, stores and some factories closed for the day.
This year instead of the patriotic lawn party and celebrations planned to have taken place at the Elman W. Campbell Museum, the 75th anniversary comes amid a global pandemic.
“For me VE day is a reminder of our country’s resilience and ability to come together as a community and a country to fight a global threat,” says Mayor John Taylor. “Today we once again face an extraordinary threat but history tells us that by pulling together and acting as one we can prevail and we will succeed.”
While we stay at home to keep our neighbours safe, we can still mark the milestone and recognize the heroic sacrifice our ancestors made.
How to commemorate VE Day at home:
All day Wear red
At 11 a.m. We observed a moment (two minutes) of silence to reflect and remember.
At 3 p.m. Participate in the Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WWII by standing and raising a glass
while reciting a toast in unison with the country.
“To those who gave so much, we thank you.”
At 7 p.m. Stand on your front porch with bells or sound makers and ring out for
peace across our town and nation.
Take the opportunity to look back on how Newmarket celebrated VE Day in 1945.
Visit Newmarket.ca/HomeSweetHome to read Winston Churchill’s announcement of peace, watch the new Heritage Moment video and view photos of the Elman W. Campbell Museum’s special VE Day 75 exhibit which we hope you’ll visit in person when we reopen.
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