Last Post and silence at the Cenotaph in Lisburn

Transcript

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01:00Ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you all here this morning to Lagan

01:09Valley Island.

01:11As Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, I am deeply honoured to mark the 80th anniversary

01:17of Victory in Europe Day, a day that has shaped the course of history and continues to resonate

01:23across generations.

01:25This morning we come together not only in remembrance, but in gratitude.

01:31We have just heard the powerful reading of the VE Day 80 proclamation by our own town crier,

01:37words that echo the bravery, sacrifice and resilience shown by so many in the face of

01:43tyranny eight decades ago.

01:47On the 8th of May 1945, the world breathed a collective sigh of relief.

01:53The guns across Europe had fallen silent.

01:57After nearly six years of devastating conflict, victory was declared and the shadow of war

02:02began to lift.

02:04Today, as we raise the VE Day flag, we remember that moment of immense significance and honour

02:11those who fought to make it possible.

02:14The flag is more than just a symbol.

02:16It reminds us of the courage of the Allied forces, the endurance of those on the home

02:22front and ultimate price paid by millions to bring peace to Europe.

02:28May their legacy guide us beyond remembrance toward a shared responsibility to uphold peace

02:34for generations to come.

02:37Lisburn and Castle Ray City Council is proud to join communities across the United Kingdom

02:42and beyond in commemorating this historic milestone for a programme of events that reflect

02:47both remembrance and celebration.

02:51Our commemorations continue with a reef laying at Lisburn War Memorial, a spirited tea dance

02:57in Market Square and a special parade and beating retreat in Castle Gardens this evening.

03:03We will also gather this evening for a beacon lighting, symbolising the light of peace that triumphed

03:09over the darkness of war.

03:12As the flag is raised today, let us pause to reflect on the lives lost, the families changed

03:18forever and the indomitable spirit that overcame adversity to build a better world for us all.

03:26Following the flag raising, I invite you all to join us in a two-minute silence, a moment

03:31to remember, to reflect and to give thanks.