It was a time of celebration in the Diocese of Leicester as church, school and community united to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).
Around the city and county, events and services took place to pay tribute to those involved in the Second World War in Europe and acknowledge its ending, as well as reminding us to pray and work for peace in our communities and in the world.
It’s been lovely to see photos and memories shared amongst our communities, such as commemorative tree planting at Measham Church of England Primary School, cream teas and cake a plenty including St Chad’s swinging 40s ‘pop-in’, and bright beacons lighting the way in Barkby and Queen’s Park, Loughborough.
A civic service of thanksgiving held at Leicester Cathedral on Thursday (8 May) welcomed hundreds of people from across the city and county to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Led by the Very Revd Karen Rooms, Dean of Leicester, with an address by the Rt Revd Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough, the service included readings from the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Michael Kapur, and the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Bhupen Dave, and music from the Cathedral Choir. The bugle was played during the Act of Remembrance.
After the service, the Cathedral bells rang out, joining churches across the diocese and nation in a collective act of thanksgiving, remembering with gratitude those who served, sacrificed, and gave their lives in the cause of freedom.
Bishop Saju said: “It was a service of commemoration and great celebration, followed by good conversation and wonderful bell ringing.”
Bishop Martyn, who was unable to attend the Cathedral service, marked the anniversary in the House of Lords on Thursday, before joining Revd Dr Israel Olofinjana in the evening for the Bishop’s Chaplaincy Lecture at the University of Leicester.
