Huntingdon’s Beacon Lighting Event for the 70th Anniversary of VE Day

On Friday 8th May 2015, VIPs, guests and residents of Huntingdon and district joined the hundreds of towns and cities celebrating the 70th anniversary of VE Day by holding a beacon lighting event and service of remembrance.

Amongst the invited community associations and cadet forces were seven members of the Huntingdon & District Branch of the Royal Naval Association. Shipmates Karl Webb, Pete Aston, Ben & Rose Dear, and Graham Murray would join the onlookers for the ceremony, whilst S/M Bill Small Paraded the Branch Standard and S/M, the Reverend Andrew Milton, would lead the ceremony in prayers.

Before the ceremony, the Mayor of Huntingdon, Councillor Bill Hensley, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Tanya Forster greeted Huntingdon Branch members and residents.

Standard Bearers (including Huntingdon & District Branch Chairman, S/M Bill Small) from the Royal Naval Association, Royal British Legion, and Royal Air Force Association took their places facing the War Memorial, whilst the Mayor and Councillors stood in front of the memorial before the President of Huntingdon Royal British Legion, Colonel Derek Bristow DL, read a tribute to mark the anniversary of the Victory in Europe.

At 2132, the exact time victory in Europe was declared, a fanfare was played and the beacon was lit. Association Standards were dipped whilst all those in attendance observed a two minute’s silence.

In closing the ceremony, the Mayor laid a wreath at the War Memorial. All participants were then invited into the Town Hall for light refreshments and a chance to reflect upon the significance of this anniversary as each year we have fewer VE Day veterans standing amongst us. We Will Remember Them.

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To see more pictures from the VE Day beacon lighting event, click on the first thumbnail below and scroll through the images.