COMMEMORATIONS for the 75th anniversary of VE Day will still go ahead in local towns – but residents will be encouraged to raise a toast to peace from their doorsteps.

The town of Mirfield would have led Kirklees’ VE Day-related activities on Friday May 8.

However the Coronavirus pandemic has meant a re-ordering of plans by the town council’s Armistice and Memorial Committee and the local branch of the Royal British Legion.

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The Union flag will be flown in Mirfield from 3pm on May 8 to coincide with what would have been national times across the country. During the same ceremony the proclamation ‘A Cry for Peace Around the World’ will be read by David Horrobin, a former soldier with the Royal Artillery and chairman of Mirfield RBL.

“Citizens, one and all,

Please join this cry for peace, that you now hear from me.

Remember men and women, old and young, who died to make us free.

The women left at home did not just sit and wait.

They toiled in harsh conditions before dawn to very late.

Factories, farms, other essential jobs, the women were quick at learning.

They worked, some died, to keep the home fires burning.

As we remember this special day, do not forget that every day someone needs your aid,

Do not put away your poppies, letting your memories fade.

Celebrate with the knowledge that VE Day is also a time to remember,

Beyond the solemn wreaths of the 11th of November.

Let’s thank all those who have gone before, with their colours proudly unfurled.

Join us as united we say, ‘Peace to the world’.”

Recognising the changes that the Covid-19 lockdown has brought to all aspects of daily life during recent weeks the Mayor of Mirfield, Clr Martyn Bolt, who also sits on Kirklees Council, said: “It’s obvious that we can’t do what we wanted to do to mark VE Day.

“But we are encouraging people to be on their doorsteps at 3pm and to take part in the nation’s Toast to Heroes – to raise a glass and cheer.

“As they do that we in Mirfield will be reading out the proclamation and raising the flag.”

He added: “It’s extremely important that we remember 75 years ago that they marked the end of the war in Europe but we must be mindful of the fact that the war in the Far East went on for several more months.

“We were hoping to honour the few remaining veterans of World War II and all our other veterans.

“Sadly that wasn’t to be.

“But in raising a toast on our doorsteps it shows that we haven’t forgotten them.

“The sentiments that rang out in 1945 are still as poignant today: that we’ll meet again.”