VE Day

[Colr]

Interested to see the difference between England and Scotland on this. What’s happening up there?

I’m guessing not so many union jacks and bunter outside Larkhall.

Seems to be getting ignored in this part of London but those of a tory nationalist bent in the home counties seem to be lapping it up.

[Colr]

Also, am I the only person who absolutely loathes Vera Bloody Lynn?

[Pretty Boy]

It's something I can't ever recall a big fuss being made about. I certainly can never recall seeing street parties or bunting or anything.

I always think the anniversaries for the end of wars should be contemplative rather than celebratory anyway. I find the idea of eating Victoria sponge and sing Rule Britannia a bit of an odd way to mark the end of a war that killed 75 million people but each to their own.

[Bostonhibby]

I'm very respectful of our war history, at least the efforts and bravery of the people who fought, I'm related to quite a few, however I think it's going a bit OTT down here.

The news coverage in particular doesn't appeal to me, I can see it's a welcome distraction for the politicians especially.

There's quite a few celebrations planned that I'm aware of but I think a bit of quiet reflection is the order of the day. There's some good historical documentaries on.

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[Bristolhibby]

It's something I can't ever recall a big fuss being made about. I certainly can never recall seeing street parties or bunting or anything.

I always think the anniversaries for the end of wars should be contemplative rather than celebratory anyway. I find the idea of eating Victoria sponge and sing Rule Britannia a bit of an odd way to mark the end of a war that killed 75 million people but each to their own.

And also forgets people like my Grandfather who were still out in India and Burma.

Those men have for so often been forgotten as they continued to fight and die after Europe found peace.

J

[Bristolhibby]

I'm very respectful of our war history, at least the efforts and bravery of the people who fought, I'm related to quite a few, however I think it's going a bit OTT down here.

The news coverage in particular doesn't appeal to me, I can see it's a welcome distraction for the politicians especially.

There's quite a few celebrations planned that I'm aware of but I think a bit of quiet reflection is the order of the day. There's some good historical documentaries on.

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Indeed, I often speak to my English wife about this. As a keen historian I absolutely believe that the defeat of Nazism must be marked. But bunting and street parties is not for me.

Like you, there’s an element of distraction, but also being used as a tool by this current government to ramp up British nationalistic sentiment. I really dispair at the apparent exceptionalism that is focused through the lens of nostalgia. It’s IMHO why we ended up with Brexit.

J

[Pretty Boy]

I'm very respectful of our war history, at least the efforts and bravery of the people who fought, I'm related to quite a few, however I think it's going a bit OTT down here.

The news coverage in particular doesn't appeal to me, I can see it's a welcome distraction for the politicians especially.

There's quite a few celebrations planned that I'm aware of but I think a bit of quiet reflection is the order of the day. There's some good historical documentaries on.

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Arw you still Lincolnshire based? My fiancé's is from there and her parents are still there. If there was one place I would have been certain of having a lot of celebrations it would be there.

Their village is probably the most in your face British place I have ever been. Union Jacks draped in shop windows, people flying them in their gardens, the local Conservative club does a roaring trade and there must be more cafes selling cream tea than there is people. They have an annual 40s weekend, we went down for it 3 or 4 years ago. In spite of myself I actually quite enjoyed it but I did find the whole thing faintly ridiculous. People walking about dressed as soldiers spending about an hour politely looking at exhibits before hitting the pub. By 10pm it was a drunken rendition of 'we'll meet again' and a lot of faux patriotic nonsense with a bit of jingoism thrown into the mix. It seemed a lot of bother to go to for what was essentially a piss up.

[Bostonhibby]

Indeed, I often speak to my English wife about this. As a keen historian I absolutely believe that the defeat of Nazism must be marked. But bunting and street parties is not for me.

Like you, there’s an element of distraction, but also being used as a tool by this current government to ramp up British nationalistic sentiment. I really dispair at the apparent exceptionalism that is focused through the lens of nostalgia. It’s IMHO why we ended up with Brexit.

JI agree with all you say, it is people's choice to do as they think appropriate and we know how that choice came about.

We're in times where a bit of respectful celebration can do a lot of good, in our village that celebration ranges from folk organising distance based small events in their front gardens early evening to a full scale gathering that has very little chance of meeting the current rules if the amount of drink that's allegedly been bought for the occasion is right.

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[Hibby Bairn]

The current govt. and PM together with The Royal Family and the BBC in particular make a big thing of these anniversaries. Each to their own but I think the media hype will be more than actually takes place.

I think it is important to teach and not lose what history tells us. But I think for the vast majority under the age of 30-40 today will just pass them by.

I remember our whole school being taken out to Queensferry Road in 1977 to line the streets and wave union jacks as the Queen arrived to stay at Holyrood for her silver jubilee. Quite incredible compared to what would (or wouldn’t happen now).

Times move on and given it is the 75th anniversary I suspect this might be the last major significant “celebration” we might see.

[Bostonhibby]

Arw you still Lincolnshire based? My fiancé's is from there and her parents are still there. If there was one place I would have been certain of having a lot of celebrations it would be there.

Their village is probably the most in your face British place I have ever been. Union Jacks draped in shop windows, people flying them in their gardens, the local Conservative club does a roaring trade and there must be more cafes selling cream tea than there is people. They have an annual 40s weekend, we went down for it 3 or 4 years ago. In spite of myself I actually quite enjoyed it but I did find the whole thing faintly ridiculous. People walking about dressed as soldiers spending about an hour politely looking at exhibits before hitting the pub. By 10pm it was a drunken rendition of 'we'll meet again' and a lot of faux patriotic nonsense with a bit of jingoism thrown into the mix. It seemed a lot of bother to go to for what was essentially a piss up.

I'm South Lincolnshire right on Cambridgeshire border near Stamford. It's generally low key and very friendly and family orientated around here, and in the main done well I have to say.

There's a minority, but a sizeable one, that will do the same with drink as they will do when England are looking like achieving anything at sport for example, it's an excuse for a piss up and inhibitions are parked!

We have them in Scotland as well in my experience.

There'll be plenty worse places than Lincolnshire this weekend[emoji6]

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[danhibees1875]

A long weekend, hopefully in sunshine, is about all it means to me to be honest.

I wouldn't have been able to tell you prior to this year what the May bank holiday was for, it's only because it changed from a Monday to Friday that it drew attention.

[Sir David Gray]

A long weekend, hopefully in sunshine, is about all it means to me to be honest.

I wouldn't have been able to tell you prior to this year what the May bank holiday was for, it's only because it changed from a Monday to Friday that it drew attention.

The May bank holiday usually isn't anything to do with the war. It was changed this year purely to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

[Betty Boop]

I'm quite looking forward to the fly past, :flag:

[marinello59]

It's something I can't ever recall a big fuss being made about. I certainly can never recall seeing street parties or bunting or anything.

I always think the anniversaries for the end of wars should be contemplative rather than celebratory anyway. I find the idea of eating Victoria sponge and sing Rule Britannia a bit of an odd way to mark the end of a war that killed 75 million people but each to their own.

The anniversary usually does pass quietly but the 75th anniversary was always going to see more fuss made. It's just what we do with big Birthdays etc.:greengrin

Remembrance day is the time for quiet contemplation and apart from the annual posturing on social media it generally is observed respectfully. This is slightly different though, I'm struggling to think of any other war ending that has been marked significantly in my lifetime? The ending of the Great War maybe?
As you say each to their own. I can see why those who live through the Second World War would want to celebrate though, whether they are surviving veterans or were children during that conflict. As the light fades from my Mother one of her few remaining memories is dancing in the streets in London on VE day. She would have been about ten years old at the time but the details of that day remain sharply focused for her. There must have been a real mixture of euphoria and relief tinged with sadness at the loss of so many loved ones but for her it was a party like no other.
It could also be seen as a chance to mark 75 years of peace in Europe, something we take for granted now but which was almost unthinkable for the wartime generation and those before them. So whilst I won't be celebrating myself the best of luck to those who are.

[danhibees1875]

The May bank holiday usually isn't anything to do with the war. It was changed this year purely to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Ah well there you go! I just assumed it must have been the "closest Monday" to it and changed this year for the sake of it being a 75th anniversary.

[lord bunberry]

I think the most telling thing about this is when war veterans are interviewed. There’s no triumphant flag waving speeches, it’s sombre reflection. The whole flag waving and bunting glorifies war and I can’t stand that. What I find equally as bad is some Scottish Nationalists who try and belittle the role that British soldiers played in the defeating the Nazis. The whole thing gets on my nerves a bit so I completely avoid Twitter for the day.

[Bristolhibby]

I think the most telling thing about this is when war veterans are interviewed. There’s no triumphant flag waving speeches, it’s sombre reflection. The whole flag waving and bunting glorifies war and I can’t stand that. What I find equally as bad is some Scottish Nationalists who try and belittle the role that British soldiers played in the defeating the Nazis. The whole thing gets on my nerves a bit so I completely avoid Twitter for the day.

Yes, my wife’s Grandad was the same. Would talk happily about the good times with his mates and was well into his regimental history (He was in the Black Watch) but would never talk about combat. I did find out that he severed throughout Holland and into Germany in the Rhineland campaign. Which reading through myself sounded terrible.

Sadly he’s gone now. And like has been posted I’m sure this will be the last proper “celebration” of VE Day as those that were children begin to die out.

Really stress to my kids that the links to the past, family links especially should be treasured.

J

[Glory Lurker]

I think the most telling thing about this is when war veterans are interviewed. There’s no triumphant flag waving speeches, it’s sombre reflection. The whole flag waving and bunting glorifies war and I can’t stand that. What I find equally as bad is some Scottish Nationalists who try and belittle the role that British soldiers played in the defeating the Nazis. The whole thing gets on my nerves a bit so I completely avoid Twitter for the day.

In 1995 there was obviously far more veterans and people who'd lived through the war. I don't remember the tone being the same as this year. It seems that as less of remain that were affected, the more we re-cast it in our own image.

Each to their own, I suppose. I find wars too sad to do anything other than be thankful for their endings.

[Scouse Hibee]

People at their doors for 11am silence, bunting and decoration in windows including my house, afternoon teas in gardens this afternoon, love it. 🧁🍰🥃

[G B Young]

I think the most telling thing about this is when war veterans are interviewed. There’s no triumphant flag waving speeches, it’s sombre reflection. The whole flag waving and bunting glorifies war and I can’t stand that. What I find equally as bad is some Scottish Nationalists who try and belittle the role that British soldiers played in the defeating the Nazis. The whole thing gets on my nerves a bit so I completely avoid Twitter for the day.

Is that really true? I don't see much wrong with retaining a bit of pride in defeating Nazi Germany. Even Jeremy Corbyn used to concede that the Second World War was justified! Its awful cost is given due solemnity on Remembrance Day. As others have said it's also the fact that this is the 75th anniversary that there's more being made of it this year.

There's also an educational benefit to it IMHO. While those of us whose parents were kids during the war can maintain an awareness of its impact, it's increasingly hard for our own kids to feel any connection to what it meant. At a time when schools are closed, getting a flavour of that time from those who were actually there can only be beneficial to their knowledge.

Well wide of the mark for anyone to imply it's only little Englanders and Rangers fans for whom this day means anything.

[Bishop Hibee]

People at their doors for 11am silence, bunting and decoration in windows including my house, afternoon teas in gardens this afternoon, love it. 🧁🍰🥃

Is that in Edinburgh? A friend posted pictures and a clip from her street in Stockton-on-Tees. Nearly all houses with bunting and folk in the front gardens with music playing. The church bells were playing “God Save the Queen” in Peebles this morning apparently.

[lord bunberry]

Is that really true? I don't see much wrong with retaining a bit of pride in defeating Nazi Germany. Even Jeremy Corbyn used to concede that the Second World War was justified! Its awful cost is given due solemnity on Remembrance Day. As others have said it's also the fact that this is the 75th anniversary that there's more being made of it this year.

There's also an educational benefit to it IMHO. While those of us whose parents were kids during the war can maintain an awareness of its impact, it's increasingly hard for our own kids to feel any connection to what it meant. At a time when schools are closed, getting a flavour of that time from those who were actually there can only be beneficial to their knowledge.

Well wide of the mark for anyone to imply it's only little Englanders and Rangers fans for whom this day means anything.
I agree that the war was justified and should never be forgotten, I just don’t think it’s a cause for celebration. I hate all wars however justified they may be, you can always trace it back to some dictator with no value for human life. Every time I see children suffering it only reinforces my view. Each to their own though, I’m not going to tell people how to live their lives, I’m only giving my opinion.

[Killiehibbie]

People at their doors for 11am silence, bunting and decoration in windows including my house, afternoon teas in gardens this afternoon, love it. 🧁🍰🥃

I parked my van and stood on the pavement for 2 minutes this morning. It seems i was the only one in the vicinity to do so as everybody else carried on with whatever they were doing.

[Hibrandenburg]

Is that really true? I don't see much wrong with retaining a bit of pride in defeating Nazi Germany. Even Jeremy Corbyn used to concede that the Second World War was justified! Its awful cost is given due solemnity on Remembrance Day. As others have said it's also the fact that this is the 75th anniversary that there's more being made of it this year.

There's also an educational benefit to it IMHO. While those of us whose parents were kids during the war can maintain an awareness of its impact, it's increasingly hard for our own kids to feel any connection to what it meant. At a time when schools are closed, getting a flavour of that time from those who were actually there can only be beneficial to their knowledge.

Well wide of the mark for anyone to imply it's only little Englanders and Rangers fans for whom this day means anything.

In some areas it is certainly true. You know that some of these events will degenerate into a flag waving Rule Britannia drunken slurfest. I'm not sure about the educational value for kids other than to instil in them an unhealthy sense of national supremacy, which is ironically the root of the reasons behind the end of the war they're celebrating.

[G B Young]

Is that in Edinburgh? A friend posted pictures and a clip from her street in Stockton-on-Tees. Nearly all houses with bunting and folk in the front gardens with music playing. The church bells were playing “God Save the Queen” in Peebles this morning apparently.

I noticed Union Jacks plus a Stars and Stripes hanging from windows in Buckstone when I was delivering food to a relative earlier. Also a few wee strings of bunting in windows alongside the kids' rainbows as I came back down Comiston Road and through Bruntsfield.

The Scottish Government and Poppyscotland had organised a veterans' march and and open air concert in Edinburgh city centre but clearly that had to be called off:

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/appeal-veterans-take-part-edinburgh-ve-day-75th-anniversary-parade-2005188

[lapsedhibee]

I'm not sure about the educational value for kids other than to instil in them an unhealthy sense of national supremacy, which is ironically the root of the reasons behind the end of the war they're celebrating.

Just checking my street for USA and Russian flags, for the educational value, but nope, none to be seen. We must have defeated Nazi Germany on our own. Just us and HMFC.

[Sir David Gray]

I agree that the war was justified and should never be forgotten, I just don’t think it’s a cause for celebration. I hate all wars however justified they may be, you can always trace it back to some dictator with no value for human life. Every time I see children suffering it only reinforces my view. Each to their own though, I’m not going to tell people how to live their lives, I’m only giving my opinion.

I'm not one for the red, white and blue bunting and singing Rule Britannia but today isn't about celebrating war, it's about celebrating winning a war against a very dangerous and evil enemy.

If we had been around 75 years ago, we would have been out in the streets to celebrate the liberation of Europe from Nazism, it wouldn't necessarily have been a day for mourning those who had died. We already have a day for that on 11th November, which should be a day for reflection and remembrance.

[lapsedhibee]

I noticed Union Jacks plus a Stars and Stripes hanging from windows in Buckstone when I was delivering food to a relative earlier. Also a few wee strings of bunting in windows alongside the kids' rainbows as I came back down Comiston Road and through Bruntsfield.

That's something at least.

[G B Young]

In some areas it is certainly true. You know that some of these events will degenerate into a flag waving Rule Britannia drunken slurfest. I'm not sure about the educational value for kids other than to instil in them an unhealthy sense of national supremacy, which is ironically the root of the reasons behind the end of the war they're celebrating.

What events? I assume all planned gatherings are cancelled.

As for instilling a sense of national supremacy, I'm really not picking up any media attempt to portray it that way. Some of the footage and interviews being broadcast are fascinating, emotional and unquestionably educational and I'm certainly encouraging my kids to watch them.

Out of interest, how is this day viewed in Germany? I watched the round-up of commemorations around the world earlier and saw Angela Merkel laying a wreath at the war memorial in Berlin, but I'm guessing that for a long time after the war this must have been a time of conflicting emotions in the country. Would it be fair to say that it's now viewed as commemorating liberation from Nazism?

[wpj]

My neighborhood looks like Shankhill Road
It's such a shame to see the kids all sitting at a distance from each other on the street and neighbours talking to each other over the fences.

[marinello59]

In some areas it is certainly true. You know that some of these events will degenerate into a flag waving Rule Britannia drunken slurfest. I'm not sure about the educational value for kids other than to instil in them an unhealthy sense of national supremacy, which is ironically the root of the reasons behind the end of the war they're celebrating.

Are you Emily Thornberry? :greengrin
The vast majority of people celebrating this will wave their flags and maybe sing a few songs and have a few beers. All harmless fun and it won't impact on those of us who choose not to join in. As for instilling an unhealthy sense of National supremacy, a tad strong maybe? Symbols of patriotism such as the Union Jack and Saltire mean nowt to me but if others want to wave them about and sing God Save the Queen or Flower of Scotland it won't put me up nor down.
I would wave a Hibs flag though. :greengrin

[Pretty Boy]

Are you Emily Thornberry? :greengrin
The vast majority of people celebrating this will wave their flags and maybe sing a few songs and have a few beers. All harmless fun and it won't impact on those of us who choose not to join in. As for instilling an unhealthy sense of National supremacy, a tad strong maybe? Symbols of patriotism such as the Union Jack and Saltire mean nowt to me but if others want to wave them about and sing God Save the Queen or Flower of Scotland it won't put me up nor down.
I would wave a Hibs flag though. :greengrin

I think there's a tendency to notice the idiotic minority in these situations and ignore the people indulging in a bit of harmless fun. I'm guilty of it myself as evidenced by my earlier post.

I liken it a bit to royal weddings and the like. We can argue the merits of the royals all day and I'd likely come down on the republican side 100% of the time. However whenever these events take place you see people calling people idiots and sad *******s and the like for enjoying them. In reality it's people enjoying a day off work and having a few beers and seeing their friends. If the royals are good for nothing else then I'll take that from them with thanks.

[TheReg!]

People at their doors for 11am silence, bunting and decoration in windows including my house, afternoon teas in gardens this afternoon, love it. 🧁🍰🥃

Same in my house mate. In fact my whole village has bunting and flags draped from windows and doors etc. Looks great. It’s a celebration of our finest generation, nothing more, nothing less. Love being British & Scottish 👍🏻

[Scouse Hibee]

Is that in Edinburgh? A friend posted pictures and a clip from her street in Stockton-on-Tees. Nearly all houses with bunting and folk in the front gardens with music playing. The church bells were playing “God Save the Queen” in Peebles this morning apparently.

Yes Corstorphine.

[Scouse Hibee]

Same in my house mate. In fact my whole village has bunting and flags draped from windows and doors etc. Looks great. It’s a celebration of our finest generation, nothing more, nothing less. Love being British & Scottish 👍🏻

Yeah nothing like it, and it made today a totally different day from a normal lockdown day.

[Berwickhibby]

Same in my house mate. In fact my whole village has bunting and flags draped from windows and doors etc. Looks great. It’s a celebration of our finest generation, nothing more, nothing less. Love being British & Scottish 👍🏻

:thumbsup: we need a thumbs up like Facebook

[JeMeSouviens]

Diddly zip here in my Edinburgh suburb.

[The Tubs]

In 1995 there was obviously far more veterans and people who'd lived through the war. I don't remember the tone being the same as this year. It seems that as less of remain that were affected, the more we re-cast it in our own image.

Each to their own, I suppose. I find wars too sad to do anything other than be thankful for their endings.

That’s what I remember too. There was much more a tone of reconciliation rather than triumphalism. In hindsight, it’s probably to do with Maastricht, for all its faults, having been signed three years before instead of four plus years of Brexit - plus the distraction from the daily bodycount.

[greenlex]

I would wave a Hibs flag though. :greengrin
That would put me up.:thumbsup::flag:

[Hibrandenburg]

What events? I assume all planned gatherings are cancelled.

As for instilling a sense of national supremacy, I'm really not picking up any media attempt to portray it that way. Some of the footage and interviews being broadcast are fascinating, emotional and unquestionably educational and I'm certainly encouraging my kids to watch them.

Out of interest, how is this day viewed in Germany? I watched the round-up of commemorations around the world earlier and saw Angela Merkel laying a wreath at the war memorial in Berlin, but I'm guessing that for a long time after the war this must have been a time of conflicting emotions in the country. Would it be fair to say that it's now viewed as commemorating liberation from Nazism?

It was considered a liberation from fascism from the end of the war, in both East and West Germany. Many Germans were always anti fascist and they also paid a heavy price under the fascist regime.

[Hibrandenburg]

I think there's a tendency to notice the idiotic minority in these situations and ignore the people indulging in a bit of harmless fun. I'm guilty of it myself as evidenced by my earlier post.

I liken it a bit to royal weddings and the like. We can argue the merits of the royals all day and I'd likely come down on the republican side 100% of the time. However whenever these events take place you see people calling people idiots and sad *******s and the like for enjoying them. In reality it's people enjoying a day off work and having a few beers and seeing their friends. If the royals are good for nothing else then I'll take that from them with thanks.

Do you think everybody at the Nuremberg Rallies were die hard nazis or might there have been some who just enjoyed the whole extravaganza? I've now just evoked Godwin's Law but it's a point that needs to be made, people just along for the ride were useful idiots in getting the Nazis into power, what's the harm in a little indulgent patriotism eh?

[wpj]

It was considered a liberation from fascism from the end of the war, in both East and West Germany. Many Germans were always anti fascist and they also paid a heavy price under the fascist regime.

My ex girlfriend in Germany who has Dutch ancestry whose grandfather was looked after in Düsseldorf stayed in the cellar during the war. She met up with the family who her Grandad stayed with, obviously the grandchildren, it was very emotional, he lived in there for years during the war. Alexandra was able to present the family with an award for keeping him alive. Very emotional for everone
Edit,he was Jewish hence being in the cellar

[lord bunberry]

I'm not one for the red, white and blue bunting and singing Rule Britannia but today isn't about celebrating war, it's about celebrating winning a war against a very dangerous and evil enemy.

If we had been around 75 years ago, we would have been out in the streets to celebrate the liberation of Europe from Nazism, it wouldn't necessarily have been a day for mourning those who had died. We already have a day for that on 11th November, which should be a day for reflection and remembrance.
I agree but most of us werent around, but celebrating winning a war is missing the point. War is legalised murder and that can’t ever be celebrated.

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

I agree but most of us werent around, but celebrating winning a war is missing the point. War is legalised murder and that can’t ever be celebrated.

Wherever you are in the world, it can and it is, as long you came out on the winning side. Harsh but, true.

[Hibrandenburg]

My ex girlfriend in Germany who has Dutch ancestry whose grandfather was looked after in Düsseldorf stayed in the cellar during the war. She met up with the family who her Grandad stayed with, obviously the grandchildren, it was very emotional, he lived in there for years during the war. Alexandra was able to present the family with an award for keeping him alive. Very emotional for everone
Edit,he was Jewish hence being in the cellar

Wow. That must have been some experience. There's many similar stories from that time, people seem to forget the first people in the concentration camps after the Nazis came to power was the Germans who opposed fascism. Many who'd opposed Hitler had to melt into the background or flee the country.

I know I sound like a broken record, but I make no apology for repeating over and over that it all started with politicians convincing the electorate that one group of people deserved more than another due to who their ancestors were and escalated from there. If that provokes discussion about the thin line between patriotism and blood and soil nationalism then job done.

[lapsedhibee]

Wow. That must have been some experience. There's many similar stories from that time, people seem to forget the first people in the concentration camps after the Nazis came to power was the Germans who opposed fascism. Many who'd opposed Hitler had to melt into the background or flee the country.

I know I sound like a broken record, but I make no apology for repeating over and over that it all started with politicians convincing the electorate that one group of people deserved more than another due to who their ancestors were and escalated from there. If that provokes discussion about the thin line between patriotism and blood and soil nationalism then job done.

Good speech from German President yesterday, talking about 'the old evil'.

[Hibrandenburg]

Good speech from German President yesterday, talking about 'the old evil'.

:agree: The evil ghosts of the past". He basically repeated a much acclaimed speech he'd made at Yad Vashem (the Israeli holocaust memorial), warning that fascism hasn't been defeated, only subdued and we need to keep up our guard.

[Colr]

What events? I assume all planned gatherings are cancelled.

As for instilling a sense of national supremacy, I'm really not picking up any media attempt to portray it that way. Some of the footage and interviews being broadcast are fascinating, emotional and unquestionably educational and I'm certainly encouraging my kids to watch them.

Out of interest, how is this day viewed in Germany? I watched the round-up of commemorations around the world earlier and saw Angela Merkel laying a wreath at the war memorial in Berlin, but I'm guessing that for a long time after the war this must have been a time of conflicting emotions in the country. Would it be fair to say that it's now viewed as commemorating liberation from Nazism?

Well there was some stupid****ary in evidence on the BBC from neighbours hugging each other and signing to Vera Bloody Lynn to neighbourhood congas.