70th Anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day).
Friday 8th May 2015 marked the 70th Anniversary of VE Day
On Sunday 10th May to mark this event, the City of Armagh Branch of The Royal British Legion held a Parade through Armagh City centre to the Cenotaph on The Mall where a short Service and Wreath –Laying Ceremony took place at 3.00pm. This Service was led by the Branch Padre, Dean Robert Townley. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Co Armagh was present, as was the new Lord Mayor, Councillor Darryn Causby.
On 17th September 2005 the Royal British Legion and the Royal Air Force Association in Armagh jointly held a commemoration to mark the 60th Anniversary of VE and VJ Day to honour the surviving Veterans from the three Services (Navy, Army and RAF) in World War II. On that occasion a special presentation was made by Cardinal Sean Brady and Archbishop Robin Eames to honour 27 Veterans of WWII.
Sadly only 5 of these Veterans are still with us, and a Presentation wasmade to each of them during the Service on 10th May by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant. These Veterans were our Guests of Honour throughout the day as we pay tribute to those who served, those who died, and just as importantly recognise the contributions of our surviving Veterans to the freedom and peace we enjoy today.
World War II was the deadliest military conflict in history with an estimated 60-80 million deaths. Military deaths are estimated at 22-25 million with about 5 million of these being prisoners of war.
Civilian deaths are estimated at 38-55 million.
It is these sacrifices that we will acknowledge in a respectful and fitting tribute.
