Plans for Virtual VE Day celebration in NI town

They have created a Royal British Legion Virtual Victory in Europe Commemoration Service.

It has been produced by Mr Dave Kerr for Portadown Branch of The Royal British Legion.

The Virtual Victory in Europe Service will be broadcast on Victory in Europe 75 Day, May 8, and will be viewable from 11am on that day.

The Branch Standard will be raised at 11am on May 8 in the garden of the Standard Bearer during the national two minute silence that all are encourage to observe.

Standards of all Branches across all of the United Kingdom will be displayed at this time.

People wishing to view the Portadown video will find it on the following social media webpages:

• Facebook: Portadown Branch of the Royal British Legion

• YouTube: (search for) Portadown VE Day 75

The Portadown Branch has complied with all the government restrictions concerning Covid-19 whilst continuing to look after its vulnerable members though the Branch Welfare Team.

A spokesman for the local Legion said: “The Branch could not let this important commemoration pass without a Commemoration Service, which will include an Act of Remembrance, with HM Lord Lieutenant, Deputy Lord Mayor, members and Cadets bowing their heads during the two minute silence, a message from the RBL Regional President, Mr Philip Morrison MBE BEM, and a Blessing from the Reverend Lucy Burden, Curate of St Mark’s Church.

“All are encouraged to view the service on either of the two sites.”

The Branch also encourages everyone to have a party in their own homes and gardens to celebrate and commemorate this very important day in our history, while observing lockdown restrictions.

VE Day celebrates the end of the World War Two in Europe.

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