Dingwall remembers: 80th anniversary of VE Day marked in Ross-shire county town
COMMUNITIES across Ross-shire are this week remembering the acts of sacrifice that ultimately led to VE Day 80 years ago.
In Dingwall, the milestone moment marking 80 years since Germany’s WWII surrender was commemorated in the presence of Ross and Cromarty Lord Lieutenant Joanie Whiteford at a ceremony at the town’s war memorial.
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As World War II drew to a close, VE Day in 1945 was declared a public holiday in the UK following the German forces’ unconditional surrender on May 7 in the wake of the suicide of Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler.
A newsflash to the public announcing the end of the war in Europe prompted celebrations throughout the Allied world.
Streets were filled with singing and dancing, parties and parades and special thanksgiving services - although the celebrations were tinged with poignancy at the memory of those who had died, or were still missing, and concern for those still fighting as war continued to rage in east Asia and the Pacific until August.
Dingwall Primary Parent Council said: “We are so proud of pupils for attending the VE service to show their respects and represent Dingwall Primary School.”
Head teacher Sara Macaskill said: “We were so proud of these pupils who attended on their holiday weekend to show their respects and represent Dingwall Primary School. Thank you to all the organisers.”
Councillor Sarah Atkin called it “a beautiful service combining tradition and informality - and not forgetting the many, many millions who died in the most devastating war”.
