BBC Radio Wiltshire wants your help to honour VE Day heroes at home

BBC Radio Wiltshire is asking people in the county to come together by decorating their front windows with special bunting to mark the 75^th anniversary of VE Day.

On Friday 8^th May it will be 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of war in Europe. Traditionally, the country would be celebrating with street parties and events honouring the war heroes. However due to the coronavirus restrictions, celebrations have been cancelled.

In a fitting tribute to the men and women of World War II, the VE Day bunting can be proudly displayed alongside children’s beautiful rainbow pictures for the NHS frontline heroes of today.

A bunting template pack can be downloaded online at www.bbc.co.uk/makeadifference. It’s an easy activity to do with kids providing an opportunity talk about the history of World War II and commemorate the fallen.

BBC Radio Wiltshire Breakfast presenter Ben Prater said: “It’s only right that we remember those who gave so much to keep us safe.

“We want as many people as possible to get involved to really show how much Wiltshire cares.”

Everyone is asked to show off their bunting displays on social media using the hashtags #GreatBritishBunting and #VEDay75

Hero Lance Bombardier Ben Parkinson MBE, the most injured UK serviceman to have survived the Afghanistan conflict, started off the initiative by proudly displaying his bunting in his home in Doncaster.

He said: “Even though we can’t have the big celebration right now, we should never forget the brave men and women of World War Two.  So please join in and make bunting to remember them”.

On VE Day itself, BBC Radio Wiltshire will be remembering the wartime generation through stories and archive. Whilst all the local events have been cancelled, the teams will be reflecting the work of charities and organisations to mark the day. The station will be hearing how local people are reflecting on the day at home and celebrating their reasons for joining in the bunting campaign. All 39 BBC Local Radio stations will broadcast the national moments when the country comes together, and help listeners join in the nation-wide singalong of We’ll Meet Again at 9pm.

Sir Andrew Gregory, CEO of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity said: “The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced the Nation to isolate and socially distance, though ironically that has brought communities closer together and with a ‘war time’ spirit of defeating a common enemy, something that has not really been experienced since the Second World War.

“Thus, it is wholly fitting that VE Day 75 falls at a time when we are again proud of those who serve our Nation, in whatever capacity. Everybody should take a moment to honour those who fought during World War II for the freedoms that we enjoy today.  And we should celebrate and be proud of the fact that their sense of service and sacrifice continues on in our present society.”