V.E. Day
V.E. Day
I’m a bit of a history fan so just as I’m finishing up my Max Hastings book on the war in Japan, the whole country is entering into Victory in Europe (V.E.) Day celebrations.
Pre-Lockdown, the kids have been doing some work on the second world war but I’m keen to impress on them that that wasn’t the proper end of the second world war, just the bit closest to home. Many allied soldiers and civilians across the world continued to suffer and die, under either the barbarism of the retreating or intransigent Japanese or the less-than-accurate bombing of the allies.
I find it really surprising how few people know the fighting went on until August 1945 against Japan. After the atomic bombs hit Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it still took a week before the reality of their situation sunk in. Few know about the submarine blockade, the wholesale fire-bombing of Japan, the recapture of island after island at massive cost to human life or of the atrocities committed on both sides.
If you feel like you’ve only ever heard half of the story, I’d really recommend Max Hastings’ series of books but for some passages, you might want to eat a hearty meal first. Anyway, sorry about that, back to the celebrations!
Given everyone is keeping at least 2m apart, kids aren’t allowed to mix and street-parties are going to be a lot less sociable than we’re used to, we have moved our cars to the end of the road and pitched up camp on the driveway. Our neighbours to one side and opposite have done the same and we’ve all got the bunting up, scones and cream teas are out, plus a few cold drinks to boot.
I wasn’t aware we had been craving something resembling a night out so much, but it’s gone 11pm before we finally round up the kids and tuck them into bed! That said, we’ve had a good catch up with our neighbours, enjoyed some fresh air and sunshine and anyone who’d listen got a bit of a history lesson, whether they wanted one or not!