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Medway Towns mark 80th anniversary of VE Day

People from Medway have joined those all over the country marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day.

Dozens of people from around the Towns joined together to commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe when Germany surrendered to the Allied Forces.

People from the Towns gathered for the ceremony on Thursday. Picture: Medway Council
People from the Towns gathered for the ceremony on Thursday. Picture: Medway Council
The event was held at the council’s Gun Wharf office. Picture: Medway Council
The event was held at the council’s Gun Wharf office. Picture: Medway Council
Dozens of people joined together in Medway to mark VE Day 80. Picture: Medway Council
Dozens of people joined together in Medway to mark VE Day 80. Picture: Medway Council

A service and flag-raising were held at the Royal Engineers Museum in Medway.

It was attended by local veterans and cadets, as well as representatives from the council, Royal Engineers and Rochester Cathedral.

A flag-raising ceremony was also held at the council’s Gun Wharf office, with the flag being raised by Brigadier Peter Gilbert.

Speaking at the event, Medway Council leader Cllr Vince Maple said: “It’s a real privilege to be a part of these commemorations and celebrations of VE DAY 80 here in Medway.

“The Armed Forces run through the DNA of Medway’s community. Medway’s my home because my dad was a Royal Naval serving personnel so it’s important to so many people across our community.

A service and flag-raising event were held at the Royal Engineers Museum in Medway. Picture: Medway Council
A service and flag-raising event were held at the Royal Engineers Museum in Medway. Picture: Medway Council
A service and flag-raising event were held at the Royal Engineers Museum in Medway. Picture: Medway Council
A service and flag-raising event were held at the Royal Engineers Museum in Medway. Picture: Medway Council
Dozens of people joined together in Medway to mark VE Day 80. Picture: Medway Council
Dozens of people joined together in Medway to mark VE Day 80. Picture: Medway Council

“You can see not just today but the whole week, whether it be street parties or communities coming together.

“It’s really important to take that time to reflect and remember, particularly of course because we’re in that sad situation when there are fewer and fewer veterans from the Second World War, so it’s so important to share those stories and memories with future generations.”

Among those celebrating were residents at Valley View Nursing Home in Rochester with a buffet lunch followed by entertainment.

Residents at Valley View nursing home in Rochester joined in on the celebrations. Picture: Valley View nursing home
Residents at Valley View nursing home in Rochester joined in on the celebrations. Picture: Valley View nursing home

Singer Keely-C performed wartime songs and shared memories with residents.

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