By Keziah Cracknell
75 years ago today, the world was, predictably, a very different place, though maybe not in the ways we originally thought it would be.
I don’t think anyone today could have predicted the extent to which we would be unable to leave our homes in large gatherings.
But on Tuesday the 8th of May, 1945, the scenes were very different from how they are in lockdown, in fact, it was the complete opposite as people of all ages were out on the streets celebrating Germany’s surrender in the Second World War.
The Huddersfield Examiner reported on that day in 1945 stating that ‘Huddersfield had let itself go’.
May 8th is traditionally when we celebrate Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day as we Brits like to refer to it, in response to General Karl Doenitz signing the unconditional surrender of Germany meaning peace in Europe at last.
The original celebration was characterised by mass gatherings, street parties, and meals together, which, beyond the sheer breadth of time passed, amid COVID-19 does seem to feel a whole other world away.
Yet, this was a day not only marked with celebration but mourning, many lives were lost during the war and this day was marred by sorrow.
To me that is how I imagine what the scenes will be like once the COVID-19 Pandemic is considered ‘over’, a day of mass celebration marred by sorrow.
Today would have been a day that many of us would have celebrated with friends and family, and that is something you can still do from home.
The official VE Day organisers have been encouraging solo pipers to play from their drives, also there is a planned toast at 3 pm and to make your own VE Day bunting to put up.
This is only a small gesture, but as we can saw from Captain Tom and the clap for heroes, something small can become something great.