We'll Meet Again?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2995326/We-ll-meet-21st-Century-style-Dame-Vera-set-join-VE-Day-anniversary-extravaganza-98-high-tech-video-link.html

/// Ministers will today announce a three-day spectacular, including wartime-themed parties, the lighting of a chain of beacons, a veterans’ parade, an RAF fly-past and a 1940s-themed celebrity pop concert. ///

A three day spectacular the day after the General Election, will some feel like celebrating I ask?

But politics aside, there is nothing that the generation who can remember WW2 like more than a jolly good knees up, (not to be taken too literally of course) but really will it be appreciated by those who have no memory of those joyous events?

[retrocop]

I recall the 50th anniversary being celebrated in Hyde Park and all the children's street parties.A fantastic event to participate in. I enjoyed it very much.

[New Judge]

I cannot remember those joyous events as I was not yet born, but I know plenty of people who can. I also know plenty of people who spent six years of their lives, at quite young ages, suffering the horrors and deprivations of the war.

I don’t think WW2 is yet ready to be consigned to the airbrush department. It did happen, it was horrendous, Britain had no option but to become involved, many people alive now have parents and grandparents who lived through it (or often died during it) and the anniversary of its ending must be marked. Furthermore, all those under 70 who have been fortunate enough not to have to endure such atrocities would do well to remember just how lucky they are and these celebrations may help them do so.

[stuey]

I find old photos like this fascinating. I can spend many minutes staring at them, trying to put myself there at the time. Who are those people captured in one brief flash of time; how old are they; how did they meet; where did they come from; where are they going to after having their picture taken; where are they now; etc., etc.. Some other points: Notice that the name of the ship is missing from the head-band of the sailor’s cap; why is that crate sitting there?; what is that thing around the girl’s neck; why is the sailor using a recently trimmed “walking-stick”?; wouldn’t a wrist watch only have been worn by a “posh” person during those times? They must have created a bit of a commotion in the pool as all those people in the background are turned around to look at them…Anyway, interesting isn’t it?

[retrocop]

Stuey
Just a minor assist here.It was customary for the name of the ship being removed from the cap tally for security measures.If a load of ratings appeared together to board a train at Paddington,say after their furlough some spy may have and indication of impending ship movements when they return,say,to their base in Plymouth.These old photos are truly fascinating and certainly gives one food for thought.

[anotheoldgit]

Nicely put judge, but having lived through those years myself, I was just wondering if those who hadn't could appreciate the sheer jubilation in knowing that this horrendous time was at last over, at least for us in Europe.

Has there ever been a time since where there has been a particular time for such extreme jubilation?

http://litherland-digital.co.uk/album_2/images/hythe_avenue_ve_day_1945.jpg

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/images/localworld/ugc-images/276308/Article/images/20522204/5752310-large.jpg

http://img.thesun.co.uk/aidemitlum/archive/00882/SNN0535AA-682_882138a.jpg

[stuey]

I remember my father telling me this, Retrocop, as he was in the RN during the war. In fact many years after, he acquired, from where I don't know, the tags of the ships that he had served on. I still have them...Interesting "stuff" isn't it?

[retrocop]

Further to your reply.I think the crate was there to cover up more delicate parts of the stonework of the structure. I believe I have an old picture of the Trafalgar SQ lions being boxed up to protect against bomb blast.The statue of Eros in Piccadilly was completely removed from it's plinth and returned later at the end of hostilities.There are many old buildings in London including the House of Commons which still show the scars of bomb shrapnel.I believe a pub called the Monk's Head or a similar name has shrapnel and blast damage on it's walls in Ludgate Circus.

[naomi24]

I wasn’t around then but I think this proposed celebration is a lovely idea.

[mushroom25]

a bit of a u-turn by the authorities, this? wasn't it reported (toward the end of last year, i think) that there was no will to make much of this anniversary because of the election?

[DTCwordfan]

So all the old gravel voices will be out in force? McCartney, Stewart, Bassey, Jones, Richard et al..?

Why not as to the overall fest.....

[icecreamicecream]

I wonder whether any of those nasty Russians will be invited over.Remember we were allies once upon a time.

[naomi24]

DTC, Please not Paul McCartney!

[mikey4444]

I'm with Naomi here....I haven't got over the ruddy Olympics yet !

[retrocop]

icecream
Give those nasty Russians some credit.They,at least,were the very first to acknowledge the bravery of our Merchant Navy and their R.N. convoy escorts and decorate the participants whereas our own country has only just shown some recognition for the Murmansk convoys. etc

[icecreamicecream]

...and whats the matter with Macca?Dont you remember "Back in the USSR".

[icecreamicecream]

Thanks,Retro.Seems to me im the only one on AB who appreciates the connection we have in the UK with those very same people in Russia.

[retrocop]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2250499/Arctic-Convoy-heroes-finally-receive-medal-70-years-risking-lives-supplies-open-frozen-hell.html

[stuey]

In 1945, there was definite reason, an actual occasion, an accomplishment, a grand finale to celebrate, rejoice, and be wildly happy about. I’m afraid that this occasion will just be a reason for some unreasonable drunken behavior in some instances.

[icecreamicecream]

I don't want to be pedantic,Dartsrus,but "polythene pam"was a Lennon song.At that time i.e.1968 Lennon and McCartney weren't writing songs together anymore.The song was medleyed with Maccas "she came in through the bathroom wndow" on the Beatles White album.