Friday 8th May - Graham
VE Day
Today is, of course, VE Day, the day when we remember and celebrate the fact that on 7th May 1945 the Nazi German officials agreed to a complete surrender and the war in Europe was over. As we are all aware, and can imagine, there were great celebrations that day & the next day was designated by the government to be a public holiday, to be known as Victory in Europe Day – hence why we remember today.
This year, though, as in so many areas of life, is going to be unlike any other year so far! All the best laid plans are consigned to the bin and some new ideas have been thought up as to how we might properly mark this day, as we should.
I suspect by now that you will have heard of the various things that we are being encouraged to be part of ‘virtually’ – in our own homes. The one I just want to mention is the 9 pm sing-along.
The idea is that at 9 pm, just after Her Majesty the Queen has finished her address to the nation, we should go outside to sing the song made famous by Dame Vera Lynn, ‘We’ll meet again’. The song, which helped keep spirits up during the war, will be used again to help with morale during the corona-virus lock-down.
Actually, I’ve heard the first few lines of this song sung a number of times in recent weeks by various people! Of course, the appropriateness of the words in our current situation are obvious to all!
It’s another sign of solidarity for the nation to each other that just says that ‘we are going to get through this, yes it is tough but we are all in the same situation and we will support each other to ensure that we come out the other side!’
This support; this coming together; reminds us just how much we need each other, doesn’t it? Just how much we miss meeting together.
Let’s take encouragement though that we will meet again, we will share again together, we will be able to come and worship together! And, just as the generation who went through the War years are seen as an example to us of how we can stick together and get through a difficult situation, we too although in different but still significant circumstances, can get through this together!
So, let’s raise our voices on Friday with the nation, our community. Let’s also raise our voices to remember that ‘God is still on the throne and He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble!’
This year, though, as in so many areas of life, is going to be unlike any other year so far! All the best laid plans are consigned to the bin and some new ideas have been thought up as to how we might properly mark this day, as we should.
I suspect by now that you will have heard of the various things that we are being encouraged to be part of ‘virtually’ – in our own homes. The one I just want to mention is the 9 pm sing-along.
The idea is that at 9 pm, just after Her Majesty the Queen has finished her address to the nation, we should go outside to sing the song made famous by Dame Vera Lynn, ‘We’ll meet again’. The song, which helped keep spirits up during the war, will be used again to help with morale during the corona-virus lock-down.
Actually, I’ve heard the first few lines of this song sung a number of times in recent weeks by various people! Of course, the appropriateness of the words in our current situation are obvious to all!
It’s another sign of solidarity for the nation to each other that just says that ‘we are going to get through this, yes it is tough but we are all in the same situation and we will support each other to ensure that we come out the other side!’
This support; this coming together; reminds us just how much we need each other, doesn’t it? Just how much we miss meeting together.
Let’s take encouragement though that we will meet again, we will share again together, we will be able to come and worship together! And, just as the generation who went through the War years are seen as an example to us of how we can stick together and get through a difficult situation, we too although in different but still significant circumstances, can get through this together!
So, let’s raise our voices on Friday with the nation, our community. Let’s also raise our voices to remember that ‘God is still on the throne and He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble!’
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Total Praise: Bedford SA virtual 'choir'
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