Huntingdon & District Branch No 6 Area RNA Parades

VE Day 2020: a virtual parade

8 May 202017 May 2020 Karl Webb Bill Small, Clifford Owen, Karl Webb

On Friday 8th May 2020, the 75th anniversary of VE Day was celebrated throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. Due to Coronavirus restrictions, no parades or public gatherings were to take place. In order to mark the day, a number of military associations decided to conduct virtual parades, either as individual ceremonies at home, or using online media platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Huntingdon branch shipmates took part in the virtual parade. S/M Karl Webb decorated his house with ensigns and bunting, then dressed in blazer and medals he stood with Hilary for the Two Minute’s Silence at 1100. At the same time, S/M Bill Small paraded the Branch Standard in his garden, and S/M Clifford Owen held a short service with local residents (observing the social distancing guidelines).

S/M Reverend Clifford Owen leading a Remembrance Service

In the afternoon, S/Ms Karl and Hilary had Afternoon Tea (part of the virtual celebrations) on the front lawn of their house and spoke with residents (whilst observing social distancing regulations) as they past their house.

S/M Karl Webb and Hilary Meers-Webb having Afternoon Tea on the lawn

During the evening, a virtual meeting with RNA veterans online, a traditional toast with rum was given by the General Secretary of the National Association.