A MESSAGE of celebration and optimism has been sent to Lyme Regis residents by the town’s mayor on the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Cllr Brian Larcombe has sent a video message to the town to mark the anniversary on Friday 8 May, encouraging residents to give thought to the war years and the generation who lived through them.
Watch Cllr Larcombe’s video message here.
Cllr Larcombe said: “Perhaps in its own way, the current virus is a reminder to all of us who didn’t know the world war period just how vulnerable we are and just how small the world can be when such things extend in the way they can do.”
Lyme Regis Town Council had planned a weekend of events to mark the anniversary, in partnership with the Royal British Legion and other community organisations but was forced to cancel due to the current health crisis.
Cllr Larcombe said although the restrictions had prevented the town from celebrating VE Day in the way it had planned, it was still an occasion for celebration and optimism.
He looks ahead to Remembrance Day in November, when he hopes the town will also be able to reflect on both VE and VJ Days.
The mayor also talks about the cherry blossom trees which have been planted by the town council in Anning Road playing field to mark the anniversary, with the hope they will continue to thrive every year to mark this significant chapter in local and national history.