South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | June | 24
From the Gazette, first published Friday 24th Jun 2005.
THE Royal British Legion is to run a thank you campaign to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
A range of commemorative events, including a Victory Tattoo at Hardwicke Court, Gloucester, and a VE/VJ day dance at Woodmancote, Dursley, will be hosted by the RBL next month.
The campaign will give people from all walks of life the opportunity to celebrate, remember and give thanks to all the men and woman who fought in the war 60 years ago.
People are encouraged not just to attend the celebrations, but also join in, either by wearing a Victory Thanks lapel badge, available from major retailers and pub chains, or by sending a message of thanks to the Legion with a donation.
All messages will be displayed in London's Trafalger Square on during the celebrations.
The occasion will also give local communities the opportunity to learn about Legion in the Community - an organisation that aims to make people aware of the Royal British Legion and its welfare work.
Col Tim Merritt, of the Royal British Legion in Gloucestershire, is looking for as much support as possible.
"In 1945, May 8 (Victory in Europe Day) and August 15 (Victory in Japan Day) marked the end of the Second World War," he said.
"Sixty years on this is the last big occasion to pay our respects and express our gratitude to every member of our local community who took part in Britain's heroic war effort.
"Please help us to say 'Thank you' by taking part in our campaign."
Events around this area include:
July 9: Victory Tattoo at Hardwicke Court, Gloucester; a VE/VJ Dance at the Woodmancote branch RBL; a Victory Party at Chantry Community Centre, Thornbury.
July 10: VE/VJ services in St Mary's Church, Thornbury, Tetbury Parish Church, and Gloucester Cathedral.
Victory lapel badges are currently available from Comet, British Home Stores, Britannia Building Society, Alliance and Leicester, Russell and Bromley, Wilkinsons, Topps Tiles, Star Newsagents, Thwaites Brewery pubs, Ember Inns pubs, London and Edinburgh Inns, Wetherspoons pubs and Stationary Box.
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